Sound Broadcasting Bill, 1987: Allocation of Time.Wednesday, 1 June 1988 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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[1031]Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. V. Brady):
It is proposed that, in the case of the Sound Broadcasting Bill, 1987, and notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of the House made today, (i) the proceedings on the amendments [1032] set down to the Bill shall be brought to a conclusion in accordance with the following timetable; and where proceedings, in each case, have not concluded by the stated time, they shall be brought to a conclusion by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, include only amendments set down by the Minister for Communications.
(ii) the proceedings on the Committee Stage of the Bill, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 12 midnight by one question, which shall be put from the Chair.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Are those arrangements agreed?
Proinsias De Rossa:
On the proposal for the allocation of time just read by the Minister of State, I should say that I received notice of this proposal about a quarter of an hour ago only, to set aside specific periods of time for the various amendments. I rise to voice my objection yet again to the way in which this House is being treated as a rubber stamp. There is a very important Bill before us. It is being attempted to squeeze all the amendments in before midnight. Now we are being faced with the proposition that, in the first slot alone, between 5 and 5.30 p.m. we shall have to deal with 40 amendments. Since we are dealing with the establishment of the independent commission, their functions and membership it is totally unsatisfactory. I contend a lot more time should have been allowed for the debate on this Bill. I wanted to record my objection.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I am sure the Deputy's comments and objections will have been noted. Is it proposed to proceed as indicated, that we take amendments Nos. 4, 8, 17 and 59, and amendments to amendment 59, Nos. 1 to 5, together? We shall proceed now to discuss them.
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