Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No. 1, Harbours Bill - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude not later than 2.15 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 2.10 p.m; No. 2, Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015 – Order for Second Stage and Second and Subsequent Stages, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to be brought to a conclusion not later than 3.45 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government, with the time allocated for Second Stage contributions by group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply for five minutes not later than 3.40 p.m; No. 3, Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.45 p.m and to be brought to a conclusion not later than 5.15 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No. 4, Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2015 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5.15 p.m.

While it appears that Nos. 2 and 3 are being guillotined, that is not the intention. All the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill does is ensure there will be no change in the amounts up to 2019, so I would expect the debate on it to be well over within the time allocated. Likewise, the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill is due to run from 3.45 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. and, as there are only three amendments, again, I would expect it to be finished well within the time.