Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Ceann Comhairle always says that many members of the public watch Oireachtas TV and I agree with him, but votes on motions will be taken here tomorrow evening and only a selected few Members from each group can vote. It is very important that when the votes are taking place tomorrow the public is aware that not everybody can vote for the simple reason that they are taking place in this Chamber. If they were taking place in the Convention Centre Dublin all of us would be able to vote. Many people are engaging with the Oireachtas in terms of the reasons they do or do not vote so it is important that they know that when the votes on the motions are taking place tomorrow certain Members will be unable to vote. There are nine Members in our Regional Group and only three of us can vote so every week we would take the three. It is important that the public is fully aware of that. It is not because we do not want to be present for the vote but rather it is because of the Covid-19 restrictions in Leinster House. On that, is there any chance the Ceann Comhairle can give us an update on that situation and what will happen as we go forward?

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