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

No. If the Deputy might resume his seat, I will explain. This item of business was ordered to be taken over a three-hour period. I am not responsible for co-ordinating the speakers. There are Whips in all the various groups whose job it is to co-ordinate that, to provide lists of speakers and to ensure that Deputies are here on time. When I came to the Chamber, members of the Rural Independent Group were completing their contributions. The Independent Group made a contribution, as did Deputy Dillon, after which the Minister began the process of wrapping up. Once the Minister has begun to wrap up, nobody else can speak. They are the simple rules of the House, which are available to every Deputy, old or new, through the Whips.

I apologise to Deputy Gould. I am always anxious to allow Deputies to contribute but the rules apply to me, to him and to everyone in equal measure.

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