Government responsibility and sporting bodies
The Cathaoirleach reminded Members that sporting bodies are not Government Departments and that Order of Business contributions must concern matters the Leader can answer. He interrupted Senator Conway and allowed him to continue only after restating that point.
I remind members of all hues in the House that the FAI, IRFU and the GAA are not Government Departments. The Leader has no direct responsibility for where matches are held, who watches them or how tickets are purchased. I am allowing a certain amount of latitude but I remind Members that the GAA is not a Government Department and the Order of Business is not about bringing the president of the GAA or whoever else into the Chamber. I call an Seanadóir Martin Conway.
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Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. I think it is-----
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By the way, I will also mention the Arts Council, the Opera House in Cork and the Gaiety Theatre, in case Senator Lombard thinks I am picking on the GAA. I am not. I am talking about everything. The Order of Business is for raising matters of Government responsibility in respect of which the Leader can give a reply. My apologies, Senator Conway, I will set the clock again.