Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I wish to raise a point of order which is no way a challenge to the Cathaoirleach's ruling on the incident that occurred on the Order of Business yesterday. There is some confusion which I can understand from all points of view. I do not think that Senator Harris's initial contribution contravened the laws of the House. Will the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, consider this? The convention was that if somebody outside the House was attacked it was unfair because he or she could not defend him or herself and it would be correct to intervene. We often congratulate people outside the House, which we might not like but which we accept. There is, however, a rarely used constitutional entitlement to privilege in these Houses to name somebody or something outside the House in a way that would not be appropriate outside the Chamber. I do not wish to challenge the Cathaoirleach and I do not seek an immediate response but it would be helpful for the CPP to discuss and clarify this issue because there is genuine confusion about it.

In the course of his second intervention Senator Harris, whom I have known for 30 years, in defending one public servant managed to have a go at another one in this House. I have watched the Clerk of this House operate over the years and know that she has done so without fear or favour to any group although sometimes to our irritation. She is an extraordinary resource and has our full confidence.