Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion regarding the designation of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service as the authorised committee for the purposes of section 32(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1997, to be taken without debate; No. 2, Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] — Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 11.30 a.m.; No. 3, Residential Tenancies Bill 2003 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and to conclude at 1 p.m.; No. 4, Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] — Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude no later than 1.30 p.m.; No. 5, Maritime Security Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] — Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.30 p.m.; and No. 6, Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to conclude at 4.30 p.m.

Regarding No. 1, section 32(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 provides, inter alia, that a joint committee of both Houses shall review from time to time the operation of any provisions of any enactment that authorise or require the non-disclosure of any record and to ascertain whether specified legislative change is required. The authorised committee must report the results of its review to both Houses.