Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes asked why the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004 has been ordered for next week. We discussed this at length and ordered the Bill for Friday of next week, with the caveat that the matter could be re-examined when the independent commission on electronic voting delivers its report shortly to the Ceann Comhairle. It was necessary to place the Bill on next week's agenda in order that it could be taken in the event that the commission's recommendation on the Government's proposal on electronic voting is positive. If its recommendation is negative, we will have to reconsider the matter. Both the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, will abide by the views of the independent commission.

The Senator also asked if the debate on No. 1 will be allowed to proceed beyond 4 p.m. I hope that will be possible if more speakers are offering. If necessary, we will arrange to extend the debate by changing the order.

Senator O'Toole asked about electronic voting. My previous explanation also pertains to his point. The Senator also referred to the second term syndrome. I have had reasonably official preliminary discussions on the issue of a possible impeachment. There is no doubt that the constitutional rights of Senators will have to be thoroughly explained and teased out, as will those of any persons who may appear before the House. The Senator was right to raise this matter last week and has been speaking to the Cathaoirleach's office. We will keep a watch on the matter as it develops. We have serious and complex obligations as Senators if it reaches that point, and we should be aware of them anyway. I think there will be some movement in that regard.

Senator Ryan asked why there was no order on the Order Paper to announce a guillotine for the Bill. Under Standing Orders, there is no requirement for a formal motion to conclude Second Stage. The matter can be dealt with by adopting the Order of Business and hopefully adapting it if more speakers are needed.

The advertisement which everyone saw in this mornings newspapers shocked me. I intend to call the office of the independent commission because there was a total disregard for procedure.