EURATOM follow-up and Leaders’ Questions rules
The Taoiseach and Ceann Comhairle rule that Sargent’s EURATOM question is separate from his Sellafield question and that only one question is permitted; the Taoiseach offers the Government’s position document before the Chair moves on.
On a point of procedure the second question is entirely different to the first one the Deputy asked.
Comment on this
On a point of order, the Deputy asked a question about yesterday's court proceedings which I will answer. If I answer the second one, and I will give a reply to it in two seconds, it is an entirely different question which will change my understanding of the Standing Order that the Leader answers one question. So before I answer the second question I want the Ceann Comhairle to give a ruling because the second question is to do with the European Convention. It is on the EURATOM section of the European convention which is being discussed in Reykjavik and an entirely different question from the first. If, a Cheann Comhairle, you rule it in order, I will answer it now. If you rule it out of order, I will give the Deputy the information. However, I will not answer two questions.
Comment on this
For the benefit of Members, Standing Order 26(a) is quite specific. It states:
At the commencement of Public Business on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Ceann Comhairle may permit, at his or her discretion, a brief question not exceeding two minutes from each Leader in Opposition to the Taoiseach about a matter of topical public importance.
It goes on to give the timing arrangements. One question is allowed. I note that this morning two leaders, including Deputy Sargent, tried to introduce the question raised by Deputy Kenny as part of their questions to the Taoiseach. I request that leaders confine themselves to the Standing Order and ask one question on a topical issue to the Taoiseach.
Comment on this
To be helpful to Deputy Sargent, I will give him the document which I have given to the convention on our position regarding EURATOM.