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Dáil
‹ Order of Business (Resumed)

Time management for questions

Summary

The Chair closed the questions on promised legislation and explained that too many Deputies were not reached because questions and answers were running over time. Members suggested prioritising overlooked Deputies and restoring a card system, and the Chair agreed to bring the proposals to the Business Committee.

That concludes questions on promised legislation. Some 12 Deputies were not reached today. I must observe that if leaders take far longer to ask their questions than is allocated-----

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-----and if the answers take longer, then we do not get to other Members.

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Some of us have had our hands up for the same time as other Deputies and were not called.

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Excuse me?

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This is the third time I have not been called.

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Everybody puts their hand up at the same time.

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Can the Deputies who have unfortunately been overlooked today be prioritised for tomorrow?

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If Deputies want to introduce such a system, I have no problem with that.

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In fairness-----

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Go back to the card system.

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-----my colleagues and I have been overlooked on numerous occasions and we have not been given the opportunity to contribute on the following the next day. I propose that, at the least, what has been suggested be given serious consideration.

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We will bring it to the Business Committee. If the committee wants to introduce that system, I have no problem with it. Deputies suggest extending the available time. We will bring that proposal as well.

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