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Seanad
‹ Order of Business (Resumed)

JobPath review and Ministerial attendance

Summary

Senator Conway-Walsh challenged the Leader’s claim that the JobPath review was unfinished, insisting it had already been published and accusing him of misleading the House. The exchange then broadened into a row over inviting the Minister for Social Protection to the House, with the Leader offering only to try to secure attendance and refusing to guarantee it before the amendment was formally agreed.

On a point of information relating to JobPath-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I cannot do points of information.

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On a point of order, then-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

It might not be a point of order. What is it?

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I will tell you very simply. The Leader referred to the JobPath review not being completed. It has been completed and published. I have it before me.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

That is not a point of order but you can pursue it with him afterwards.

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I have it before me, so I would ask the Leader in that context-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I am sorry, Senator. You are out of order.

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He was out of order when he told a mistruth.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I am sorry, Senator. With respect, you are not in a position to rule on who is out of order. This is the Chair.

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He misled the House.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, you must resume your seat at this point.

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Senator Conway-Walsh does it every day, so she is all right.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, please. You are disrupting the Order of Business.

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I have the report here.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Is the Order of Business, as amended, agreed to?

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No. I am not agreeing to the Order of Business, because misinformation is being presented to the House.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

You do not have to explain why. Anyway, you are disagreeing with the Order of Business. Is that correct?

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I wish to clarify the point for Senator Conway-Walsh. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House. There is no problem.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

You are all being unruly.

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I simply wish to help the Senator. We might not get him in to the House next week but I would be happy to try to get him in to the House. I am very accommodating and reasonable, as the Senator is aware.

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I know the Leader is.

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However, I will not take ultimatums from people like that.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Order, please.

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There is a teenager here.

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I know there is a teenager. He stole my toys and I am running away with it.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

With respect, the two of you can have a sidechat about that.

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Can we get the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, in to the House next week?

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Let us not be unruly. Is the Order of Business, as amended, agreed to?

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I cannot agree that the Minister will come in. I cannot give that assurance.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The House has accepted the amendment from Senator Swanick and it has been agreed.

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