The Speaker granted leave of absence to the following members: D’Abadie/Omeara (10-14 December), Port-of Spain North/St. Ann’s West (7-13 December), St. Joseph (10-19 December), St. Ann’s East (today), Diego Martin Central (today) and Couva South (today).

Three Committee Reports were laid: The Report of the Committee of Privileges, the Report of the House Committee and the Report of the Special Select Committee – The Children Bill, 2008.

34 Questions qualify for Oral Answer. The Leader of the House indicated that the Government was in a position to answer eight questions (179A, 179B, 186, 197, 199, 204, 218, 234). See the Order Paper for details.

One Question qualifies for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Minister in the Ministry of Finance made a statement on Trinidad and Tobago’s hosting of two international conferences (Summit of the Americas, Commonwealth Heads of Government) in 2009, focusing on the purchase of vehicles for transport during the conferences

The Attorney General made a Statement outlining the Government’s Legislative Agenda for the next two years.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to consider Senate amendments to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (Amendment [Local Government] and Validation) Bill, 2008, which was passed in the Senate on Tuesday December 9, 2008. Among the amendments proposed by the Senate were changes to the Short Title of the Bill and the Long Title of the parent Act. Several members made contributions on the various amendments, which were approved.

The Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved a Motion asking the House to consider Senate Amendments to the Financial Institutions Bill, 2008. The House agreed with the amendments.

The Member for Princes Town North raised the issue of the legal status of the Special Anti Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT). The Minister of National Security responded.

The Member for Caroni East then raised the Matter of the failure of the Government to provide adequate resources for the support of children in need of specialized surgical/medical care which is not provided in Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister of Health responded.

Before the House was adjourned, the Leader of the House, the Opposition Chief Whip and the Speaker of the House extended Christmas greetings to all members and to the nation. The sitting adjourned at 4:29 p.m.