Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Order of Business is No. 1, address to the Seanad by Dr. Mary Robinson, president of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, former Senator in this House and a colleague to some Members who were present at that time, President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to commence at 11.45 a.m. in accordance with the arrangements as set out in the motion passed by the House on Tuesday, 22 November. To facilitate a prompt start to Dr. Robinson's address, Senators are requested to be in their seats by 11.35 a.m. On the conclusion of that business at 1.45 p.m. the House will suspend until 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. we will take No. 2, the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 - Committee Stage (resumed) to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude no later than 9 p.m., if not previously concluded.

For the information of Members, Report and Final Stages of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill will be taken on Monday, 28 November from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. At the close of business tonight a motion will be put before the House on the arrangements for the sitting, and a Supplementary Order Paper will be circulated later today to cover the sitting.

Between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, the Seanad Public Consultation Committee will hear submissions in this Chamber from representatives of older people's advocacy groups on issues affecting the rights of older people in society. All Senators are very welcome and are invited to be present in the Chamber during the course of the afternoon for those hearings. I understand nine groups will be making presentations based on written submissions already made to the committee. They will be making oral submissions in the Chamber in groups of three, and Senators are invited to ask questions of the groups following each set of submissions. All Senators are welcome to ask questions. We will also be having a public consultation committee hearing on Tuesday, 29 November.