The President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Dr. Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde and Sen. Dr. Sharon Ann Gopaul-McNicol. Mr. Foster Cummings and Mr. Raphael Cumberbatch were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Dick-Forde and Gopaul-McNicol respectively.

The President of the Senate made a ruling on the Matter of Privilege moved by Senator Mark during the last sitting of the Senate. He ruled that no prima facie case was made.

Five Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Two Reports of the Committee of Privileges of the Senate were laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

Eight Questions qualify for Oral Answer. See the Order Paper.

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

Debate resumed (from December 8, 2009) on the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Sen. Helen Drayton was first to contribute, followed by Sen. Mohammed Faisal Rahman, Sen. Prof Ramesh Deosaran and Sen. Raphael Cumberbatch. The Minister then rose to respond. The Bill was then referred to a Special Select Committee of the Senate.

Debate resumed (from May 19, 2009) on the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2009 with Sen. Helen Drayton being first to contribute,followed by Sen. Raphael Cumberbatch and Sen. Dr. Jennifer Kernahan. The Attorney General then rose to conclude the debate.

At the next sitting the Senate will consider the Property Tax Bill and the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Before adjourning, the Leaders of the respective benches and the Presiding Officer extended Christmas greetings to each other and to the nation. The Senate adjourned at 7:01 p.m.