Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the progress on the implementation of the Croke Park agreement, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 1.15 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes and a contribution from a Sinn Féin Senator not to exceed two minutes and all other Senators not to exceed one minute when asking questions to the Minister; and No. 2, statements on the immigrant investor programme and start-up entrepreneur scheme, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed six minutes and all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, and the Minister to be called to reply to the debate no later than 2.25 p.m. A number of Senators have sought a debate on the proposed schemes so I hope there will be a good attendance to hear what the Minister has to say and many contributions.

The group leaders met yesterday and it was agreed to act on the proposal of Senator Darragh O'Brien to have a structured debate on the fiscal compact. It is hoped that the Oireachtas Library & Research Service will be able to make a presentation to Members in advance to allow for an informed debate on the issue.

The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Creighton, will be present next Thursday to reply to the questions posed by Members in the debate on Tuesday last, in which debate she did not have an opportunity to reply. That is in response to what the leaders requested yesterday.