Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader and his office for sending out today's proposed Order of Business. I acknowledge and put on the record what I said yesterday. It is his prerogative, and nobody else's, to bring forward the proposed Order of Business for the day. It is our prerogative, as Members, to accept, amend or reject the Order of Business. That is clear and I will not repeat it. It would be helpful if every Member of the House had the same piece of paper that I have in my hand. I am aware the leaders have received it but I call for every Member to have a copy of the Order of Business in his or her hand because it is important.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business but before so doing, I must note I look forward to engaging in the debate on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017 today. It got a great deal of coverage in the media today, particularly in the printed media, but I am looking forward to being here. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business - of course, I have the benefit of having it in front of me - that in respect of No. 5, Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017 - Committee Stage (Resumed), to be taken at the conclusion of No. 4 and to be adjourned no later than 9 p.m., there be an assurance, in the interest of the orderly operations of today, that it would not be taken before 6.30 p.m. Alternatively, I seek confirmation from the Leader to that effect. I am happy to be here until 9 p.m., but it is a matter for the Members. As I say, I am conscious it is our prerogative, as Senators, to agree the Order of Business.