Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on homophobic bullying, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed six minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 5.35 p.m.; and No. 2, statements on the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Syria, to be taken at 6 p.m. and conclude not later than 7.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 7.20 p.m. This item is timely, as it coincides with today's meeting of the UN General Assembly which is discussing the crisis in Syria. I hope, given the amount of concern expressed in the House in recent months about the situation, that Members will take the opportunity to contribute to this very important debate.

I hope as we get into the term that the habit of Members requesting debates and not taking part in them will not be repeated to the same degree as in the last session. I hope the Members who ask for debates will be present to contribute to them.