Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the Order of Business, I notified the House that I would come back this evening to propose an amendment to the Order of Business in regard to urgent legislation coming from the Dáil. I can now inform the House that the legislation needs more time and will not come to the House this evening. I apologise to the leaders, Whips, Members, Cathaoirleach and his staff and clerks for any inconvenience I may have caused. As soon as that legislation is ready, we will take it in the House at the first available opportunity. With the permission of the House, I propose we take the Adjournment.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We were only with the Leader and the Minister approximately four minutes ago. What happened in the past four minutes that this Bill will not be introduced in the House tonight? Are there other difficulties? Did it not pass through the other House? What is the reason for the delay? I have no problem if it is to correct mistakes in the Bill. Will the Leader confirm that we are adjourning because of technical faults in the Bill?

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased to clarify the situation. To the best of my knowledge, a technical difficulty has arisen. The Minister has been advised that the Bill is not to proceed in the Seanad. I am sorry for the very short notice. As Senator Cummins correctly pointed out, we were in discussions on taking the Bill only three or four minutes ago. The Minister was informed by telephone that the Bill had a technical difficulty, which must be addressed, and that it was not ready to be presented to the Seanad for consideration by Members.

I hope to give a more detailed explanation in the morning and inform the House of the Government's proposals on taking this urgent legislation. Again, I apologise to the leaders, Whips and everyone concerned, including the Cathaoirleach and his staff.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I accept fully what the Leader stated. It is better to get the legislation right. There were two mistakes already which caused us to come into the House this evening to rectify them.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When is it proposed to sit again?

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.