Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator and I will take up the issues he raised about coverage with the national broadcaster. In response to his point about the former Cathaoirleach, Senator O'Donovan has served this House and the nation well in his role here, in the Dáil and in previous Seanaid.

I remind Senators that when they are allocated two minutes in which to speak and Ministers waiting that people will not get in. I do not mind if Senators cover 100 topics in two minutes, although it should only be one topic. When Senators go over time, other colleagues, party members and other people in their group will simply not get in. Today, I have allowed latitude but after this, the time limit will be enforced.

In relation to unparliamentary language, which I am sure some Senators have spotted, I do not condone unparliamentary language. I urge Senators to please not look in a certain direction. I will not say who it was but I am sure they can all guess.

As there were 44 speakers, and the Leader has pages of notes listing the topics raised, I am not sure she will be able to cover everything mentioned. General themes did emerge and I have no doubt that she will do her best to cover an unprecedented number of issues.