Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimate for Public Services for the year ending 31 December 2010: Vote 34.

The Select Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has completed its consideration of the following Estimate for Public Services for the year ending 31 December 2010: Vote 30.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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On a point of order, a Cheann Comhairle, this is the eight or ninth Question Time in a row that you have ruled out approximately ten of my questions, one of which relates to European Investment Bank funding of metro north. That was announced-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I wish to make the point. It was announced on the Department of Transport's website and the Minister issued a statement on the matter. It is extraordinary that you, a Cheann Comhairle, are refusing to allow me to ask questions on all of the agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport which are the nuts and bolts of the transport portfolio.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We may have to review Standing Orders. Deputy Broughan is aware of the difficulties we have in this general area. We will proceed.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Is there anything you can do about this a Cheann Comhairle because it is debilitating for the Opposition? Under Standing Orders, part of your role is to protect me and Deputy O'Dowd. You are not doing that.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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We need a lot of protection right now.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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And me.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I seek your protection a Cheann Comhairle and some guidance on the matter. I cannot ask important questions for my party. It is reducing Question Time to a bit of a farce.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will not have a discussion on the matter but if Deputy Broughan calls to the office we can provide clarification.