The Vice-President announced that the President of the Senate was Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Leave of Absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Martin Joseph (out of the country) and Sen. Dana Seetahal, SC (illness). Mr. Foster Cummings, Mr. Noel Gayle, Mr. Brian Nathaniel Baig and Mr. Umesh Rampersad were appointed to temporarily replace Sen. the Hon. Danny Montano, Sen. the Hon. Martin Joseph, Sen. Wade Mark and Sen. Dana Seetahal, SC respectively.

Seven Papers were laid. All seven were in the name of the Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Four Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question was answered (103) and the others deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

One Question qualifies for written answer.

The Minister in the Ministry of National Security moved the second reading of the Prison Service (Amendment) Bill, 2008 [Progress], which was passed in the House of Representatives on September 5, 2008. Four Senators made contributions including the maiden contribution of Sen. Brian Baig. The Minister then concluded the debate. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

The Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the second reading of the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2008 [Progress]. Some five Senators participated in the debate before the Minister began his wind-up. The Bill was later passed without amendments.

At its next sitting the Senate will continue debate on a Private Motion by Senator Wade Mark. The Senate adjourned at 6:25 p.m.