Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call Senator Catherine Ardagh, I said yesterday that I would make a decision on comments made in the Chamber about the eighth amendment. I have come to the conclusion that while the all-party committee which is chaired by the Deputy Leader is sitting to deal with the issue and doing its business, following which a report will be presented to both Houses before the end of the year, I will not encourage and will disallow any debate on the matter. It is also inappropriate for members of the committee to direct comments at each other in the Chamber and for others to defend such comments. The committee should be allowed to do its work. I have made that decision and hope it will be respected.

Some people made complaints against a certain Senator. There is a mechanism for the making of complaints against Members of this or the other House. It can be triggered if anybody feels he or she needs to so do. It is not the job of the Cathaoirleach to referee on this issue and I do not intend to do so. I expect the House to come on board and accept my decision.