Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I point out to Members that I did not call on the Leader at the beginning of proceedings - she is more than welcome to contribute - because this is not the Order of Business. This is Matters on the Business of the Seanad and, as such, there are no questions regarding the day's Order of Business. This is a new innovation to allow for questions to the Leader. She has agreed to this new process and has been very much part of making sure that Senators have an opportunity to raise issues on days when the Order of Business is not votable. There will not be a vote at the end of this item. Only one hour has been allocated, so I ask Senators to stick to their time. The Leader was more than welcome to take up her normal spot, but she indicated that she would not do so.