The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for La Horquetta/Talparo, Lopinot/Bon Air West Point Fortin, D’Abadie/O’Meara, and Tabaquite (today’s sitting) and to the Member for Chaguanas West (20-26 March).

The Speaker also mentioned the passing of the father of the Minister of Finance and Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara.

The Speaker ruled on a matter of privilege raised by the Member for Caroni East on March 13, 2009 pertaining to an advertisement published in the daily newspapers. The Speaker ruled that in his opinion a prima facie case had been made, and referred the matter to the Committee of Privileges.

The Leader of the House laid five papers, one in his name and the other four in the name of the Minister of Finance. He moved that two of the papers be referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee and a third to the Public Accounts Committee. Leave was granted. See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Works and Transport and Leader of the House laid the Interim Report of the Special Select Committee (2009 Session) appointed to consider and report on a Bill entitled “An Act relating to the protection of Children and for matters related thereto” (The Children Bill, 2009).

14 Questions qualify for oral answer. Four Questions (5,9,40,44) were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Three Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Member for St. Augustine sought leave of the House to raise as a definite matter of urgent public importance the issue of the plight of residents at Railway Road who were being removed from their homes by agents of the State. The Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The Integrity in Public Life Bill, 2009 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Works and Transport.

Debate resumed (from March 13, 2009) on the Status of Children (Amendment) Bill, 2009. The Deputy Speaker and Member for Arima was first to enter the debate, followed by the Member for Caroni East, the Member for St. Ann’s East and the Member for Fyzabad. The Minister of Legal Affairs then rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was referred to a Special Select Committee of the House of Representatives for consideration and report within one month.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion to adopt the Interim Report of the Special Select Committee on the Children Bill, 2009. The Motion was approved.

The Member for Siparia raised a matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, “The failure of the Government to repair Scotts Road, Penal and roads in Mendez Village, Penal.” The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

At its next sitting, Private Business will be considered, specifically, a Motion by the Member for Siparia which calls on the House to express its lack of confidence in the Minister of Finance.