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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Late Speaker dispute

Summary

Senator O'Donnell objected that the Order of Business was still ongoing despite being late, leading to a prolonged procedural row with the Chair about speaking order and time limits. The exchange ended without her substantive contribution being allowed.

I am just a bit late. The Order of Business is for one hour.

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Sorry. Is there a conversation?

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Order of Business has been dealt with and the Deputy Leader-----

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It has not because I have not said what I want to say.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I am sorry but I asked for other speakers and nobody offered. I must rule it out of order.

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The Order of Business is on the schedule from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

It is not definite. It takes as long as there are speakers. I am very sorry-----

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It is so convenient - so governmentally convenient.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Speakers need to be here on time at 11.30 a.m.

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Deputy Leader, I am sorry-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator is out of order.

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The Leas-Chathaoirleach is always telling Senators that they are out of order.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Only when I have to.

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I am very much in order. I am standing here-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Deputy Leader, without interruption.

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All of these orders - one is not allowed to speak.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator should be aware of Standing Orders.

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I am aware that the Order of Business is from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

No, not necessarily.

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Oh no, no. Not when it suits the Government.

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This is a conversation-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I am not having any conversation. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell can take it up with me afterwards. The Deputy Leader, without interruption.

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This is a conversation for the CPP or another day.

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You are all so mature. My God, we are coming down with morality and purity, are we not?

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator is talking to herself now.

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