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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Point of order on speaking time

Summary

After Questions on Policy or Legislation ended, Deputy MacSharry repeatedly objected to the Chair about speaking time and alleged unfair treatment of Independents. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle ruled the intervention out of order and eventually suspended the House when he refused to comply.

Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Sin deireadh le Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht. Ag bogadh ar aghaidh-----

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On a point of order.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

I do not know what the point of order is, Deputy.

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You have not allowed me to tell you yet. The point of order is very specifically, and I know the rules on points of order, that on Questions on Promised Legislation we are all entitled to make our case to be involved, and for over a year now you have, with your-----

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

That is not a point of order.

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It certainly is.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

It is not a point of order.

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It certainly is. You have consistently put me into the last three speakers, where I am lucky to get 30 seconds, while others enjoy the benefit of celebrating the local sausage manufacturers and the prizes they win for a minute and ten seconds.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Deputy, resume your seat.

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I have not the slightest intention, until you show a little bit less discrimination and positively discriminate for actual Independents rather than those, like yourself, who join and form de facto parties and get to speak three or four times every day.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

You are completely and utterly out of order.

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I am just asking that I might get more than 30 seconds every two weeks-----

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

You are completely and utterly out of order.

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-----and I wish you would study the Standing Orders and accept the fact that this is a legitimate point-----

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

If you fail to comply with my ruling, I am now suspending the Dáil.

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