Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not open to the Cathaoirleach or anybody in the House to change a long-standing practice. Furthermore, we have been in recess while urgent matters such as the opening of schools and the inability of people to get answers to legitimate questions have been evident over the past number of weeks. It is an affront to democracy that the Cathaoirleach or anybody else would seek to shut down debate in this House and not allow those of us with urgent matters that need addressing to have those matters brought before the House.

The public is watching. My colleague, Senator McDowell, made the point that we have been turned into a rubber stamp today. It is not what we are here for or why I was elected.