David Norris (Independent)

I also feel very strongly about this point and I mentioned it to Senator O'Toole who indicated to me that he intended to take it up. He has quoted from the relevant section of Standing Orders. I have been a Member of this House for 21 years and I have never experienced this before. It is an extraordinary departure not just from the rule book of the House but from the traditions of the House. At the very least, we are entitled to an explanation of this matter from the Leader because it is a very serious matter.

If a vote is called on the Order of Business, on what will we be voting? Will we be voting on the Order of Business for today or agreeing the business for tomorrow? Where will it end? Will we start to have the business for the whole of next week as well? This is a very big mistake and I cannot understand why the Order of Business should be foreclosed in this manner.