Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)

Before I call anyone else on the Order of Business, I wish to make one thing clear: this is not a free for all question time. The Order of Business is about the taking of business that has been promised, including legislation promised either inside or outside the House, the making of secondary legislation or arrangements for sittings. In fairness, there are 135 Members who are not office holders and a debate is coming up that is limited to two hours. There are also three requests for private notice questions and I want to be fair to everyone. Unless a Member is within the rules set out in Standing Orders, I will not allow a free for all on the Order of Business on any day. I have tried to be fair to people but I ask Members not to abuse the little bit of latitude we give. I am trying to be fair to the entire House. People want to make speeches on the upcoming European Council meeting and I do not see why some Members can monopolise the time available to us. We have only two hours and I want to give time for the private notice questions. I will allow a question for one Deputy from each party and one from an Independent Member provided they stay within the terms of reference for the Order of Business.

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