Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Under the powers conferred on me by Standing Order 21 of Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann relative to public business, I summoned Seanad Éireann to meet at 6.30 p.m. today at the request of the Taoiseach for the purpose of considering legislation to enable Anglo Irish Bank to be taken into public ownership. The sitting was fixed for 6.30 p.m. on the understanding that the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009 would by that time be received from the Dáil. Since the Bill is still under consideration by the Dáil, might I suggest to the Leader of the House that the sitting be suspended——

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Until tomorrow.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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——to a later time and that as soon as the Bill is received, an Order Paper will be circulated.

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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I propose that we commence consideration of the Bill at 7 p.m.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Is that agreed?

Senators:

No.

Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)
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I suggest that we use the time between 6.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to have an Order of Business. That would make perfect sense, given that this House has not met for quite a number of weeks and key issues affecting the population need to be discussed here. They include not only this banking crisis but the cutbacks in accident and emergency departments and schools, and redundancies throughout the country. We should use this time to discuss those issues before we start to deal with this legislation. It is being rushed through both Houses this evening and we do not agree with the manner in which it is being dealt with.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It is totally unnecessary for it to be rushed through.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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On the proposal to adjourn the House, there is a long parliamentary tradition of having discussions on the Adjournment. There has never been a time during which such cynicism has been directed at the parliamentary and legislative systems. If we meet and immediately adjourn, and afterwards deal with only one item of business, having just come through one of the most turbulent months in our history in terms of the economy and other issues such as child abuse, the Middle East and wars, we will give the impression that we are utterly and completely detached from what is happening.

I take the Cathaoirleach's point that this is intended to be a special sitting. However, in that regard, rather than adjourn, we could very well use this in-between time to make some points and observations on how matters are proceeding and how we find ourselves. Radio stations and newspapers are now asking ordinary people for their views on the economy, the world, the Irish situation, and how the country should move forward. We are meeting now and we are elected to represent the voices of the people. If we sit down and keep our mouths shut we will not be giving voice to the views of the people we represent. We do neither ourselves nor the House a service by doing this.

Senators:

Hear, hear.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I say to the Leader there is a range of subjects we might discuss during this proposed period of adjournment. They include child abuse, cuts in health and education, difficulties in accident and emergency departments, the need for public sector reform and the need for the Government to raise funds internationally. I set aside the issues we are to discuss later on tonight. We should take this opportunity to articulate what people are saying to us, put it on the record, show we are listening and put forward proposals for problem solving. In that way we will show the people outside that we have some energy.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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We are discussing the proposal, namely, a motion to suspend the House until 7 p.m. There are no other speakers. Is the motion agreed?

Senators:

No.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Arising from an omission to vote by three Members, namely, Senators Bradford, Coffey and Doherty, the result of the division as shown on the display board has been amended, with the agreement of the tellers for both sides. The correct version will appear in the Official Report.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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As I have informed the House, at the request of the Taoiseach, I summoned Seanad Éireann to meet today to consider legislation to enable Anglo Irish Bank to be taken into public ownership. The business of today's special sitting is confined to the subject matter set out in the summons. Arrangements relating thereto and the earlier signature motion will enable the Bill, if passed, to be signed by the President at an earlier time than five days. No other business shall be taken today.