I have a question for the Ceann Comhairle. Could he clarify for me the Standing Orders of the House? It is my understanding that the wearing of emblems or items of clothing which espouse a particular political viewpoint or position is prohibited. Is that the case? My experience is that it is the case. Three years ago, I had 20 children visiting the precincts of Leinster House. They were wearing black T-shirts with the word "CoderDojo" in white across them. The children were immediately removed from the precincts of Leinster House and had to travel across the road to Kildare House and remove the t-shirts. Only on removing the T-shirts were they allowed to re-enter Leinster House. In light of what we have seen today, can the Ceann Comhairle clarify if the wearing of such clothing or emblems is prohibited and if so, does he intend to consistently apply those rules?

I thank Deputy Cannon for raising that matter. The House itself, on the recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, adopted previously a code of parliamentary standards which governs a wide range of matters concerning the conduct of Members both inside and outside the Chamber. While the wearing of emblems per se is not prohibited by the code, paragraph 11 of the code, as adopted by the House in July 2010, addresses this matter that emblems of a party political nature should not be worn or otherwise displayed within the parliamentary precincts. It is a matter that can and will be discussed by both the Business Committee and perhaps by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.