Will the Taoiseach facilitate non-aligned Independent Members in having an opportunity to contribute to the debate today on the European Council? Five minutes were allocated for this purpose last week and I am wondering whether it might be possible to do the same today. Will the Taoiseach agree also to instruct the Government Whip to engage with the other Whips and a representative of non-aligned Independent Members in order to sort this issue out on a permanent basis and ensure there is an opportunity for such Members to contribute to debates?

This is a matter that should be dealt with outside the Chamber.

I am not sure whether the group to which the Deputy refers has a Whip.

Twenty minutes are allocated for questions and answers. I assume some arrangement can be made within that to facilitate everybody.

To be clear, the group to which I am referring comprises Independent Members who are not part of any political party or Technical Group. I understand there are 12 of us at this stage.

When I accommodated the Deputy last week, she took the opportunity to go on a personal rant.

Just because the Taoiseach does not like the contribution a Member makes is not a reason to silence that Member.

I am more than amenable to giving Deputy Creighton time.

Deputy Creighton is out of order. I have tried to help her but I must ask now that she resume her seat.

The Deputy has no reason to be claiming discrimination.