Order of Business
The Chair announced that priority Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 6 would be grouped. Members disputed whether priority questions may be grouped, and the Minister said he was content to answer them separately if the Chair so wished; the Chair agreed not to group them.
My understanding is that priority questions cannot be grouped.
Comment on this
Yes, priority questions cannot be grouped.
Comment on this
I have never seen that in the history of the Dáil. Priority questions are-----.
Comment on this
They can be grouped with other priority questions but not with other oral questions.
Comment on this
I ask that they not be grouped, with the indulgence of the Chair. It is not fair for them to be grouped. Question No. 1 relates to a major issue.
Comment on this
I apologise for being a few minutes late. I was not aware of the change in the time. I did not mean to keep the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach or colleagues waiting. I am in his hands with regard to this. Important announcements were made last night. I am happy to answer questions in whatever way the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach sees fit or whatever way can be agreed by the Dáil. I have been briefed to the effect that these questions are grouped but I am happy, given the seriousness of the issues involved, to handle them in any way the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach feels is appropriate.
Comment on this
I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for that.