Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the report of the advisory group on small business, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 5.45 p.m. with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate no later than 5.35 p.m.

I would like to inform Senators that I have secured commitments from a number of Ministers to come to the House to debate various topics raised in the House in the last session. These debates will be on the Irish language, foreign affairs, disability issues, media standards and children's rights. I can confirm to the House that the Irish language debate will be held next Wednesday, the fisheries debate on 25 January and the foreign affairs debate on 2 February. I do not have dates for the other debates but the Ministers have given commitments that they will come to the House to discuss the other matters.