Sharon Keogan order and point of order
Senator Keogan repeatedly tried to intervene on a point of order after the Chair warned her that she was continuing debate rather than raising procedure. The Chair insisted she resume her seat and defended the need for caution, while Senator Dooley urged an apology and withdrawal for identifying the family; the row continued until the Chair finally moved to the next speaker.
It is no disrespect to the speaker whatsoever.
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I am getting tired now of people trying to tell me how to do my job up here. I accepted the Senator's point of order. I make the point generally to Members in the House, as I have done before and did earlier on the Order of Business, that Members are entitled to make points and make contributions. This is a political Chamber. I appeal to Members to exercise great care in what they say, in how they say it and I have made the point here before and I am going to say it again. I have been the victim, as the Chair, on social media for some of the comments from the Chair when I am trying to uphold the rules of the House. Senator Clonan is right that great care should be taken, especially by Members, regarding people or persons who may be potentially vulnerable or identifiable who are not here to defend themselves in some cases. I appeal to all Members, irrespective of what you say or what your belief is, to be aware that how you say something is very important. I make that point again. I am not having a row with anybody. I am not having a discussion on anything. I am asking Members to take due care in what they say and how they say it.
Senator Keogan has a point of order.
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I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate the comments my good colleague has made about the details I have disclosed here. I had a lengthy discussion with the concerned group, who were protesting since October on this-----
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I am sorry, the point of order-----
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If the Chair would allow me to finish-----
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I have informed the concerned group-----
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-----that it must embrace the immigrants that have entered its community----
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-----and that that is the responsible thing to do as a community.
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The group has stopped the protest----
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That was not a point of order. You are not showing respect for the Chair or the House. I have been fair to all Members of the House. I do not like the prevailing attitude that the Chair is something Members can bypass to make contributions. I am asking the Senator to resume her seat. That was not a point of order.
I call Senator Lombard.