Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Before starting the Order of Business, I wish to acknowledge the sad passing of former Seanad colleagues Willie Kenneally, Joe Doyle, Nuala Fennell and Dominic Murphy. I will be in contact with their families and group leaders in the House to allow tributes to be paid at the appropriate time to mark the sad passing of our dear colleagues.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re allocation of time, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 - Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and adjourned not later than 6 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 3, statements on the economy, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2, to conclude not later than 8 p.m. if not previously concluded, on which spokespersons may speak for 12 minutes and all other Senators for seven minutes, on which Senators may share time by agreement of the House, and the Minister to be called upon not later than 7.50 p.m., prior to the conclusion of the debate, for his concluding comments and to take questions from leaders and spokespersons.