Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had intended at all points to attend this meeting. If I had done so just as a guest, as an ordinary Member of the Oireachtas, what Deputy Ring says would be true: I would have had to wait until all members of the committee had had their chance. I am here, however, having substituted for a member of the same group as Senator Victor Boyhan. He is a full member of the committee and, under Standing Orders, in that context, I sit as though I were a member of the committee. It is a different situation from my just turning up as an ordinary Member of the Oireachtas without substituting for a member of the committee. That is my understanding of the Standing Orders, and this was checked with the clerk yesterday. I am not seeking to jump in ahead of anyone - I am not entitled to do so - but I am here as a member of the committee.