Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

There are two amendments to the Order of Business. Senator Ryan has moved amendment No. 1: "That the following motion be taken today: 'That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, leave is hereby given to introduce a Bill entitled Sexual Offence (Age of Consent)(Temporary Provisions) Bill 2006 immediately and that the aforesaid Bill be debated in Seanad Éireann at the conclusion of all other business today'.". The amendment is out of order, as the Chair cannot accept a motion that seeks to introduce a Bill in a manner contrary to the established procedure. The Chair has not been given an opportunity to examine the text of the Bill and rule on its admissibility. The House cannot be required to debate a Bill that has not been subjected to that scrutiny. The Bill should be lodged in the manner provided by Standing Orders.