It is not agreed. I want to raise again the issue of suspending the House for two weeks. It has been quite some time since the election. We all know that there are huge challenges facing the country and, indeed, an expectation that we all get down to work. I see no reason and no rationale for a further two-week delay. In fact, people will regard it as quite scandalous, given the time-wasting so far, that we would rise for a further two weeks. We object to the Government proposal on that basis.

Sentiment score: -0.14

I do welcome the fact the Government has now, finally, acknowledged that there has to be a differentiation between Government and Opposition-----

Sentiment score: 0.46

-----and that no TD can be in government and in opposition at the same time. I would further say that this is not a temporary arrangement for today. There has to be an explicit understanding that, procedurally and in accordance with logic and the value of democracy, that distinction is recognised and respected throughout all of our work. By the way, considerable time could have been saved yesterday had the Government the foresight to simply recognise that logic and the value of that logic to the functioning of the Chamber.

Sentiment score: 0.25