Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On an ordinary day, the convention of the House is that Senators can raise items that are not related to the Order of Business. However, that is not strictly within the rules of the House. A practice has developed over time whereby people bring up items that are not related to the matters that have been raised by the Leader on any sitting day. This issue can be raised at the meeting of the CPP later today but when we sit on an ordinary day next week or any other week, strictly speaking the Members should stick to the legislation or proposed legislation that is before the House. As this is a special sitting, I am strictly adhering to those rules. Next week, Senator Mullen and every other Senator will be able to raise the issues they want to raise today. This is a special sitting of the House and Members are here for a specific purpose. We are sticking to the rules of the House that all Members have agreed to over time. If Members want to change those rules, I am happy to hear about any such changes at the CPP or any other forum. If Members wish to write to me, they can do so and we can change the rules to accommodate people.