Seanad debates

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

5:15 pm

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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On a point of order, the Order of Business today refers to Committee Stage of the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013. I am now told we are planning to take Committee and Remaining Stages. Is that correct? This certainly is not on the Order Paper.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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My understanding is that the Leader proposed on the Order of Business this morning that we take Committee and Remaining Stages.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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That is a change from what is on the Order Paper. I did not realise that.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I stand to be corrected. Perhaps a direction from the Chair is required. I believe that if the Leader makes a proposal on the Order of Business, it supersedes what is on the Order Paper. Is that the case?

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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By agreement of the House.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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I accept that; I misread it.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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There is an item that we are not taking tomorrow. The Order of Business for tomorrow had to be changed because amendments from the Department of Health on the smoking in cars legislation are not ready. Therefore, we do have a slot if there is willingness on the Government side to take Report Stage of the fines legislation tomorrow. This would allow us to consider these matters overnight rather than have the House suspend. This is a possibility and I leave it to the judgment of the Cathaoirleach and the Leader. At least, we have the option of using the slot.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I understand the House has ordered that all Stages be taken today.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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I accept that; the point I made was that I did not realise it. It was not on the Order Paper. I missed the statement that all Stages would be taken today. Senator Barrett has outlined an option. I would like these matters debated today and to give the Minister a chance to consider them overnight. Perhaps Remaining Stages could be dealt with tomorrow.

Photo of Jillian van TurnhoutJillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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On a point of order, perhaps we could ask the Leader to consider changing the order before we conclude Committee Stage. There are two points to which we said we would return on Report Stage. Perhaps there is a reason for postponement. I ask that a call be made to the Leader to consider taking Report Stage tomorrow or on another date on which the Minister will be available.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I will check that with the Office of the Cathaoirleach.