Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

I need to press the case further because I believe the Ceann Comhairle is in error. We did not make an Order for Second Stage this morning. That is required to be done before Second Stage can be taken. There are precedents for this. In the short time available to me, I was able to find three clear precedents where this occurred. The only ruling counter to what I am arguing was where the Bill came the Seanad and the House had to accept it for Second Stage. However, that is not the case here.

The Minister is required and correctly moved the Order for Second Stage. The Ceann Comhairle asked if it was agreed and we said it was not agreed. That is the correct procedure. One cannot proceed to Second Stage without that order having been agreed. That order was not made during the Order of Business. Nothing resembling it was made nor was there any attempt to make it.

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