Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

This is not a normal routine measure, but a proposal to amend our Constitution. It is a reasonable request from these benches, which dispute that the procedures have been properly adhered to, that you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, as the protector of this House, avail of the opportunity to adjourn for 15 minutes so that proper clarification can be obtained.

We will abide by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's ruling. However, we respectfully suggest that the Chair is not in full possession of all the facts. This is not the place to have this debate. I suggest that there should be an orderly suspension for at least 15 minutes so that Members can be satisfied that, in their duties and obligations, they are adhering to the highest standards of parliamentary democracy. We are not so assured. If the Constitution is to be changed, the observance of democratic procedures should at least be maintained.

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