Seanad debates
Wednesday, 9 April 2003
Order of Business.
We will have an unprecedented set of circumstances in the 22nd Seanad tonight when the first Private Members' Bill will be debated, the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2003 in the name of Senator Higgins. While other Bills have been published, they have not been debated. Will the Government side support the Bill? I expect that it will on the basis that legislation introduced by this side of the House should be given a free run in respect of Committee and Report Stages. If there are matters of principle of debate concerning the Government and Opposition, it is very important that they are sorted out on these Stages. I ask the Government side to set a good precedent tonight, support the Bill and allow it progress to Committee Stage when it can be amended according to its wishes.
No comments