May I ask for clarification of why Question No. 3 is not included?

Under Standing Order—

In a debate in the Dáil this morning I was told by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to hold my fire because Question No. 3 was coming up today.

Unfortunately, the Members used up the 20 minutes allocated to Priority Questions.

Why can Question No. 4 be taken and not Question No. 3?

The time has been used up.

May I swap Question No. 3 for Question No. 4?

No. That is not provided for in Standing Orders.

It seems rather stupid.

Standing Orders clearly state that only the fourth and fifth questions may be transferred to ordinary Question Time. Question No. 4 must be taken now.

Is it in order then that I withdraw Question No. 3 because I will not be allowed to resubmit it under the four month rule?

No. It will not be caught under the four month rule.

Will I get a written answer? Is that the position?

He will.

There is the two weeks' rule.

I hope this is not like a conspiracy.

No doubt he would think that. I had not even thought about the next question.