Joe O'Toole (Independent)

With due respect, the Leader's comments are incorrect. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges has decided that on weeks when the House does not sit on a Tuesday, Private Members' business will begin at 5.30 p.m. The reason is that if it were to start earlier, with the long Order of Business, the Labour Party, Sinn Féin and other Members would not get to contribute to the debate. On weeks when the House sits on Tuesday, it will begin at 5 p.m. Last week, owing to a problem with a Minister, there was an agreement with the Whips that on that occasion it could begin at 5.30 p.m. as a one-off.