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

I am conscious of the fact that there are four groups that were not in the Chamber but were in the House when their time came up. I am also conscious of the fact that it is difficult for groups to know when they are going to be called and when they are not going to be called. During my period as a Whip for the Opposition, the Opposition Whips co-ordinated and worked through one Whip to ensure that all the groups knew how the debate was progressing and when spokespeople might be required. That is not happening at present and I suggest to Opposition groupings that some level of co-ordination between themselves might avoid this sort of thing happening in the future. While I would always be anxious to facilitate people who would want to contribute to an important debate such as this - and it is of critical importance - the procedure is well established that once the Minister or Minister of State has started to reply to the debate it is not possible to return to Deputies.

I ask Deputies Shortall and Cian O'Callaghan to conclude.

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