Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I move: "That Deputy Brendan Howlin be elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle."

I propose Deputy Howlin, who has been a Member of this House for 20 years. He has been a distinguished Member in many respects and has held ministerial office both as Minister for Health and Children and Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and has been engaged in most positions in the House and in most committees. I have no doubt he would prove to be a very distinguished Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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A Cheann Comhairle——

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, I wish to propose an alternative name.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I thought it would be in order to say a few words seconding the nomination.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The difficulty is that there can be no debate, in accordance with the order of the House today.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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That is what is happening.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Rabbitte, please. The order of the House has been agreed to. There was no notice from Deputy Kenny that an alternative name would be proposed. In those circumstances it would not be proper of me to take a proposal from Deputy Kenny.

Deputies:

What?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is not.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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In my opinion the question is carried.

Deputies:

The motion is not carried.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise a point of order.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is the Deputy's point of order?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My point of order is whether I am entitled to explain to the House why I do not agree with the proposal of the Taoiseach.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not in order for the Deputy to do that in accordance with the order of the House today. We cannot have a debate on it because that has already been agreed to. What I will allow, in accordance with Standing Orders, is a brief debate on Deputy Howlin's elevation to the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. That is the best I can do in accordance with the rules of the House. That I will allow. That is as fair as I can possibly be.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, may I ask the basis of your ruling? You said that because the Chair had not been notified of Deputy Kenny's intention to provide an alternative name he could not move it. Under what Standing Order is the Deputy required to inform the Chair ahead of making a move of that nature? I have never heard of that Standing Order and I have been a Member for a long time.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I cannot take the amendment because I have no notice from the leader of Fine Gael.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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What is the status of you having a notice? On what basis is there a requirement to give the Ceann Comhairle notice?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair has ruled on this matter.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I know you have. I wish to know the Standing Order you are applying.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair has ruled on this matter. The Deputy may not stand while the Chair is on his feet.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order——

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair has ruled on this matter. I will now allow anybody who wishes to contribute on the motion on the election of Deputy Howlin as Leas-Cheann Comhairle, which has been moved, to make a contribution. The Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Kenny, is welcome to do that now.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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What is the response to my point of order? What Standing Order is being used to prevent a Deputy proposing an alternative unless he has given prior notice to the Ceann Comhairle's office?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Standing Orders provides for notice to be given and that is the ruling of the Chair.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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You are making it up as you go along.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Ring will withdraw that statement.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not withdraw it.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy will not withdraw that statement, he will leave the House.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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You are making up the rules as you go along. I will not withdraw it.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Then Deputy Ring, you will leave the House.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not leave the House. You may put me out, but I will not leave the House. I am elected to this House and not selected like you are.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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You must withdraw the statement you have made.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not withdraw the statement. You are making up the rules as you go along.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a disgraceful statement and completely untrue. The Deputy will force me to name him.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Will he be treated like Deputy Morgan?

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Tell me, under what rule——

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Name the Standing Order.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Quote the Standing Order.