David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

Like previous speakers, I acknowledge the formation, formally and finally, of the second Independent group and wish its members the best of luck in their endeavours. However, I again refer the Leader and the Cathaoirleach to comments I made on the recognition of Sinn Féin as a group in this Chamber. There is a great deal of discussion about reform of the Seanad and making it more inclusive. My party does not have a representative on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, despite the fact that it has three representatives in the Chamber, and it is not given formal speaking time. For example, during last week's debate on the important motion tabled by the Leader's party on tourism, Sinn Féin was allocated two two-minute slots. I, therefore, ask that Standing Orders be amended to reflect the fact that Sinn Féin is a group for the purposes of speaking time without allowances. We are interested in being given speaking time, not allowances.