The Order of Business is No. 1, Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and adjourn not later than 8 p.m., with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed ten minutes.

On a point of order, I do not believe the Leader is in order in specifying the time permitted for each speech under Standing Orders. I raise this point having asked last week that we have the same amount of time per speaker on Second Stage as was allowed in the Dáil, which I believe was 20 minutes. Like others here, I do not intend to engage in any long-winded contributions or filibustering on the Bill, but it appears-----

It is a matter for the Leader to propose and the House to decide.

I might ask for your ruling on this issue, a Chathaoirligh. The relevant Standing Order is Standing Order 16 which establishes the right of the Leader to propose, at the commencement of public business, the business for each sitting day and the order in which it shall be taken. It is true that in the Dáil the Taoiseach may propose speaking time limits, but the Leader does not have the authority to do so. While the practice may have developed that the House acquiesces in that regard, it is not in order.

There is a long-standing precedent in the House that the Leader proposes the Order of Business and the arrangements to be made which are agreed to and adopted by the House.

It is not in Standing Orders.

It does not have to be. There is a long-standing precedent.

I believe you are referring to-----

I am ruling on this issue now. The Leader is proposing time limits and it is up to the House to agree and decide on the matter.

The Leader ought to table a formal motion on the Order Paper to be taken in the normal way-----

As I explained to the Senator, there is a long-standing precedent in the House.

I ask you, out of respect for the Standing Orders of this House, to take time to consider this matter, rather than just rule off the cuff.

I have to go on precedent also. There is a long-standing precedent in the House that the Leader proposes time limits which are agreed to. It is up to the House to decide. It may not agree with what the Leader is proposing, but that is a matter for it. The Leader is proposing certain time limits for certain debates. It is up to the House to decide-----

The Leader is not the Taoiseach. Standing Orders of the Dáil specifically provide that the Taoiseach may do so, but our Standing Orders do not provide for the Leader to do so. How can the Cathaoirleach rely on mere custom and practice? Is that not bringing our Standing Orders into disrepute and showing them disrespect?

I am not bringing Standing Orders into disrepute. I am ruling in accordance with long-standing precedent. The Leader has made a proposal and it is up to the House to decide on it.

In that case, I propose to seek to amend the Order of Business.

I will be calling the Senator later.