Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

On a point of order, the Chair is obliged to enforce a Standing Order, which sets out specifically the speaking slots for the various parties during private Members' time but the Chair has breached it again. I did not interrupt because an Opposition Member was in possession but the Chair was in breach of Standing Orders by allowing the Fianna Fáil Member an additional five minutes, thereby reducing the length of the Technical Group slot. I ask the Chair to abide by Standing Orders. The alternative is to continue with 20 minute slots, which will result in the Government losing its slot. The Standing Order is clear that the party which moves the motion has 15 minutes to respond at the end of the debate. I have no objection if the debate runs to 8.35 p.m.

See this speech in context