Yesterday, at 4.59 p.m., we received notification of the Government's motion on exiting the EU bailout programme, on which the House will vote later today. No mention was made of a deadline for amendments either when we received the motion or subsequently. When I asked this morning whether we could table an amendment to the Government's motion, I was told the deadline had passed. How can one amend a motion when one is not given a deadline by which to submit amendments? It is preposterous also that we be given a deadline for a motion before we have a chance to hear what the Government has to say on it. We should, at a minimum, be told of any deadline to submit amendments. I request, therefore, that we be given the option to submit amendments to the Government's motion.

Maybe those concerned should have waited until 5 p.m. instead of 4.59 p.m. for the Deputy to receive the motion.

That is a smart alec remark.

It is a matter for the House as to what Deputies do with amendments. The Deputy has been around long enough to know the requirements pertaining to the submission of amendments when a motion has been produced.

What are the requirements?

Did the Deputy inquire?

Yes and I was told the deadline had passed.

Seeing as the Deputy was so exact about receiving the motion at 4.59 p.m., at what time did he inquire?

I was buried at a committee meeting.

The Deputy was buried.

We are not having a debate on the issue.

On a point of order, this is a serious issue.

I know that.

When did the Deputy inquire?

I inquired this morning.

The Deputy received the motion yesterday and inquired this morning.

Yes, unfortunately; I do other things and cannot continually check my e-mail. The Taoiseach is engaging in further political games.

If the Deputy refers the problem to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, I am sure it will be considered.

He needs to react faster.

Hold on, a Cheann Comhairle-----

I will not hold on. The Deputy will hold on and sit down.

With respect, a Cheann Comhairle-----

Now the Deputy wants to make noise about the issue.

It is long-standing practice that one cannot table amendments once a debate has commenced.

The Government often does precisely that during Private Members' business.

We can change the position for the future. The Deputy should resume his seat.

The Dáil will vote on the motion today and we were not informed-----

The Deputy can vote against it.

I want to amend it.

I am sorry, but the Deputy cannot amend it as he missed the deadline.

There was no deadline.

Of course, there was a deadline.

Excuse me, a Cheann Comhairle, there was no deadline. Will you tell me what the deadline was?

If an amendment had been submitted before the debate started, I could have considered it.

What was the deadline?

Will the Deputy, please, resume his seat?

I want an answer to my question.

Deputy Boyd Barrett cannot get an answer now.

The Ceann Comhairle cannot tell me when the deadline was.

It is not up to me to give Deputy Boyd Barrett an answer.

Whom is it up to?

Deputy Boyd Barrett should resume his seat.

I want an answer to the question.

We will get it afterwards. Deputy Boyd Barrett should sit down.

No. I want it now.

Deputy Boyd Barrett will be leaving the Chamber fairly quickly.

This is a serious abuse of the democratic process.

Will Deputy Boyd Barrett resume his seat? He got a reply from the Taoiseach.

I want to know when the deadline was. This is a vote on an important issue.

When was the deadline on this?

Will somebody answer my question? Can I have an answer to the question from someone? When was the deadline?

Before the debate.

Before the debate begins. I have already told Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Where is that written down?

For God's sake, will Deputy Boyd Barrett go and read the Standing Orders?

Is it in the Standing Orders?

This is not an educational centre for Deputy Boyd Barrett. I call Deputy Naughten.

Is it in the Standing Orders? Would the Ceann Comhairle tell me where in Standing Orders it is?

Would Deputy Boyd Barrett ever go to the Clerk of the Dáil's office immediately after the debate and he will get an answer? I thank the Deputy. I call Deputy Naughten.

That is the Government playing more tricks and abusing the democratic process yet again.

I call Deputy Naughten. Will Deputy Boyd Barrett resume his seat?