Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Standing Order 39 relates to priority questions. It sets out the sessional order determining the sequence in which questions nominated for priority are placed on the Order Paper each day. It is based in the normal way on the number of seats held by each party in the House. Standing Order 116 relates to the Private Members' business rota. Again, it sets forth the sessional order determining the sequence in which groups in opposition are entitled to use Private Members' time. If there are issues Deputy Ó Caoláin wants to discuss with the Government Whip, there is time to do so during the summer recess. The sessional orders are based on the numerical strength of the parties in the House. We must proceed accordingly.

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