Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

6 o’clock

There was some confusion before the suspension, but I want to reinforce the point which was made very ably by the Acting Chair, Deputy Durkan. Standing Order 45 is very clear in terms of how the issue of statements is to be dealt with. In this particular instance, the order of the House provides for statements to be made and adjourned, following which we will take Topical Issues. Anybody in the House who wants to participate may do so. When there are no longer any participants we will adjourn that debate. It will then be a matter for the Business Committee to decide when or if the debate resumes. It is as simple as that. If Members are happy we can proceed to whoever the next speaker is. Was it to be the Minister?

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