Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I will enter into direct negotiations now with the Leader of the House across the floor of the House. It is not acceptable that the House should not sit between 2. p.m. and 5.30 p.m. This is a full working day. While I understand the Leader's remarks regarding the Arts Bill, we could fill the gap. There are two possible solutions. First, we could bring forward our Private Members' motion to 2 p.m. or 2.30 p.m., subject to the availability of the Minister, and debate the issue of neutrality, on which more Members would be able to speak during the afternoon. Second, as the Leader is aware, the International Court of Arbitration yesterday made a very positive ruling in respect of the Government's rights regarding consultation on Sellafield. I suggest the House debate that issue today, particularly as there is now a three hour gap.