Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Before outlining the Order of Business, I wish to comment on the arrangements for this afternoon. The Taoiseach will be here from 12.45 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. and the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Tom Kitt, will be here from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. I am anxious that the spokesperson of each group has a chance to speak when the Taoiseach is present so that he can hear those Senators' views. The proposed timeframe will facilitate that. I hope that is in order with Members.

The Order of Business today is Nos. 1, 2 and 3. No. 1 is a motion, to be taken without debate, referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which has completed its deliberations; No. 2 is statements on the Corrib gas field to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 12.45 p.m. Spokespersons have ten minutes each and other Senators have seven minutes each. Members may share time. The Minister will be called to reply no later than five minutes before the conclusion of the statements; and, No. 3 is statements on Northern Ireland to be taken at 12.45 p.m. to conclude at 2.30 p.m. Spokespersons or leaders of the groups have six minutes each and all other Senators have five minutes each. Members may share time.

The Taoiseach will be in the Seanad next Thursday for the debate on Europe from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.