Joe O'Toole (Independent)

On a point of order, I note the Leader, in presenting the Order of Business, talked about today's business and then went on to order business for tomorrow. That is clearly in breach of Standing Order 16 which states: "The Leader of the House ... for the purpose of this Standing Order) acting on behalf of the Government ... shall propose at the commencement of public business, the business for each sitting day and the order in which it shall be taken." The Leader correctly stated today's business and he then proceeded to tell us what we will do tomorrow. That might be helpful but it may not be ordered today. Tá an Buan Ordú níos-soiléire as Gaeilge "... gnó do gach lá suí agus an t-ord ina dtógfar an gnó sin". I ask the Leader to recognise and accept the Standing Order is clear in that regard and that on each sitting day we are required to agree the business of that day.

It also conflicts with Adjournment Matters. Standing Orders allow Adjournment Matters to be put forward to the following day. It means issues to be taken on the Adjournment today could not possibly be taken in the middle of the business that has been ordered on the Order of Business of the day. It is clear that we require an Order of Business on each sitting day to deal with the public business for that sitting day.