Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Senator Norris has outlined the political reasons the amendment is so important. I adhere to and respect the ruling of the Chair, but I cannot understand why amendments Nos. 18 and 19 were ruled out of order. Perhaps, as father of the House, Senator Norris could advise me on why this happened. I understand Standing Order 154 which deals with this issue, but the criteria are that amendments be relevant to the subject matter of the Bill. I argue that the amendments are entirely relevant and that we should at least have had a worthwhile debate on them and put them to the House.