Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Order of Business is No. 1, European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3.45 p.m. and conclude not later than 5.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minute and those of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 5.35 p.m., and No. 2, European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2012 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 8.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 8.20 p.m.

As Senators will be aware, we are sitting earlier than usual as Committee Stage of the Gaeltacht Bill 2012 was due to be taken following the Order of Business. It was agreed last week that amendments to the Bill could be submitted up to yesterday morning. However, owing to the volume of amendments received and the fact that many were tabled in Irish and needed to be translated, I was informed by the Bills Office yesterday that it would not be in a position to publish them in time for today's sitting. I propose, therefore, that we commence Committee Stage on Thursday afternoon and, if not concluded, that time be set aside in the schedule for tomorrow week to complete it.