Whatever about wasting a minute, the Deputy has taken an extra minute.

As there are no Deputies present from either the Social Democrats or Solidarity, the next speaker will be Deputy Denis Naughten.

The Rural Independent Group is next. Deputy Mattie McGrath is sharing time with colleagues.

That concludes Leaders' Questions. We have run a bit over time but it is our first day. Perhaps from now on we might stick to the allocated time. I understand that the Taoiseach has an announcement to make for the information of the House in respect of the appointment of Ministers and Ministers of State.

The House has agreed that, for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency only, the rapporteur's report on the Order of Business shall not be read out but shall be taken as read. Therefore, in that context, there are just four proposals to put to the House today. Is the proposal for dealing with today's business agreed to?

To be clear, the Minister in question, Deputy Barry Cowen, made a request to me in accordance with Standing Order 56, which relates to providing a personal explanation to the Dáil. I have acceded to the request and provided time for the Minister to do this later this evening. Standing Order 56 specifically precludes a debate or questions. This is not unprecedented and in the history of this Chamber there have been numerous statements made in this way. This method was chosen by the Minister, Deputy Cowen, and the re…

Yes, of course.

The device being used does not provide for questions and answers. The Deputy is quite entitled to vote against the Order of Business as proposed. If the proposal for dealing with today's business is not agreed, I ask na Teachtaí-----

The Deputy is correct but the reality is we are all aware that between now and the end of July, critical legislation must be enacted. We can take time away from the work on that legislation if we choose. It is entirely a matter for the House or we can focus on the legislation. It is a matter for Members.

Is the proposal for dealing with Wednesday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Thursday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Friday's business of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response agreed to? Agreed. I call Deputy McDonald. I remind Members that there is one minute per question and one minute per answer.

We cannot have a debate.

I think that matter has already been dealt with today.

I thank the Taoiseach. We cannot have a further debate on the matter.

I ask the remaining Deputies to take 30 seconds rather than a minute in order that everyone can contribute. Deputy Nash is next.

In order to expedite matters, I will take the final three questions and then go to the Taoiseach for a response.

I presume the Deputy means "equally well".

The matter has already been raised.

As we are over time, I ask the Taoiseach to correspond with the Deputies by way of a response.

Is the Bill opposed?

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.