Extension of Question Time

Summary

Members disputed the time and whether Question Time should be extended, with Andrews referring to the late start and an alleged undertaking. The Ceann Comhairle denied giving an undertaking and said the House could extend Question Time by five minutes if it wished.

Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

: It is not 3.30 yet. Could we have another minute to consider——

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

: Nobody knows better than Deputy Faulkner that the Ceann Comhairle has not eyes in the back of his head and that a group of precedents say that he takes the time from the clock in front of him.

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Niall Andrews Mr. N. Andrews Fianna Fáil

: Have they been updated?

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

: It is 3.30. Deputy De Rossa.

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Niall Andrews Mr. N. Andrews Fianna Fáil

: On a point of order, we started late. The Government were not able to provide a quorum to begin Question Time in time. You gave an undertaking——

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

: I did not give an undertaking. The Deputy is misrepresenting the Chair.

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Niall Andrews Mr. N. Andrews Fianna Fáil

: It is 3.30 and you said——

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

: The Chair said he would deal with that when he came to it. If the House wants unanamiously to extend Question Time the Chair will be prepared to facilitate the House.

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Niall Andrews Mr. N. Andrews Fianna Fáil

: A former Ceann Comhairle of the House asked for one minute to consider a question.

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Thomas J. Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

: If the House wants to extend Question Time for five minutes this can be done. Otherwise Question Time is over.

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