Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is now 5 p.m. and Senator O'Donovan wishes to propose an amendment to the Order of Business.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I propose that we resume after Private Members' business for a maximum period of one hour, if that is agreeable to the House.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is that agreed?

Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)
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It would be preferable to resume the debate on another day to allow the process to be completed. We are saying one hour, but it might actually take longer. Having the discussion another day would allow time for reflection on the Bill and the debate that has taken place up to now.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I echo the comments of Senator Regan. I have no problem with being here after 7 p.m. but if this is an attempt to ensure Committee Stage is rushed and completed in one day, I do not support it. The Bill makes significant changes to criminal procedure and I would prefer to see the debate continue on another day. I am anxious that Senator O'Donovan's proposal would not lead effectively to the debate being guillotined. It might well take more than an hour to get through the remainder of the amendments, given that some of them are substantial, particularly those to Part 3 which I have tabled; Senator Regan also has some relating to victim impact statements in Part 2. Thus, it would be preferable to finish the debate on another day.

Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)
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I have not engaged so far in the Committee Stage debate but hope to do so at the latter stages. I appreciate the Minister's presence, but this is a substantial Bill and an additional hour would presumably not bring proceedings to a satisfactory conclusion. I ask the Acting Leader to arrange the recommencement of the debate on another day. It is important that we try to get this right. Some of us have commitments to attend other meetings tonight but would like to be here for the debate.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I do not think we will get agreement. The order of the day does not provide for——

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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There is no attempt to rush the Bill through; it is important legislation. Having considered the volume of amendments remaining and their importance, I withdraw my proposal to recommence at 7 p.m. The debate will not be concluded in one hour and it is important that the Bill receive a full hearing in the House.