Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming everybody back for the new term. The Order of Business is No. 1, Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 21, Private Members' business, motion No. 8, to be taken at 5 p.m. and conclude not later than 7 p.m.

The House will consider legislation dealing with the children's rights referendum during the course of the three sitting days in the week after next. I am prepared to give as much time as is needed to debate this very important Bill and trust Members will be satisfied with the allocation.

This morning it was agreed by the group leaders that Mondays and Fridays were to be considered exceptional sitting days for the purpose of dealing with specific legislation and that there would be no Order of Business on those days. It was further agreed that in the lead-up to budget 2013 I would endeavour to arrange debates with relevant Ministers across the major spending portfolios. These debates will form part of the Seanad's contribution to the overall budgetary process. The first debate will take place with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, on Thursday, 18 October.