Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is a long established precedent that the Cathaoirleach gets a copy of the Minister's speech and any other speech at all times. The rules of procedure are clear. If a person even raises an issue or item, it must be presented to the Cathaoirleach. That the same Senator would refer last night to the comings and goings of Members who were attending committee meetings or were in their offices engaging with the debate through their television sets as swanning in and out was astonishing. This is unacceptable.