Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We can all have a wish list for Christmas. The Order of Business is No. a1 on the Supplementary Order Paper, a referral motion whereby the subject matter of No. 1 on the Order Paper is being referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food for consideration. These regulations concern a reduction in the disease levies applied to milk deliveries for processing and cattle slaughtered or exported to facilitate the eradication of TB and brucellosis in cattle. The rates have been reviewed in light of the improving disease situation and, as a consequence, there is to be a reduction in the costs of the scheme. This will be taken without debate; No. 2, a motion referring to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings. The committee will report back to the Seanad within three months. This will be taken without debate; No. 3, statements on defamation, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, Senators may share time and the Minister is to be called on to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of the statements; No. 4, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Bill 2003 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude not later than 4 p.m; and No. 17, motion No. 26, to be taken, with the agreement of the House, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a change from the proposed time of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.