Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I support my colleague, Senator Norris. During the past two years he has acted under advice from all quarters. He has consulted, discussed, briefed and listened to everyone. He has tried to move the matter forward in a consensual manner. Given the way we try to do business on these benches, it is an absolute disgrace and utterly unacceptable that, half an hour before two years' work is put to the sword, he gets this weasel-worded amendment to bury all that endeavour.

I compliment Senator Norris who, apart from his last two sentences, avoided the subject and spoke on the Order of Business for the remainder of the time. As I am sure the Clerk will advise you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, there is no restriction on speeches on the Order of Business as long as I stick to the Order of Business rather than the subject of the Order of Business. I can point chapter and verse to a former Leader of the House making a 45 minute speech on the Order of Business when he was not Leader. Before there is a ruling, there are issues to be dealt with——