John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am only chairing this debate. The problem is that the two Senators who are supposed to move these amendments are not here. If Senator Flynn moves amendment No. 3, we can discuss the amendments from there onwards but Senators Ruane and Higgins are not here to move amendments Nos. 1 and 2. I have been told by the Clerk that, once I get to amendment No. 3, the grouping will kick in and Senator Flynn can move the amendment.

I have just received clarification from the Seanad Office. If Senator Flynn states that she has authority to move amendment No. 1 on behalf of her group, we will accept that so as not to hold up the debate. The point is that the amendment is in the names of two Senators who are not here and traditionally, such amendments fall straight away. Before the Senator moves the amendment, she needs to confirm that she has authority to move an amendment in the names of other members of her group in those Senators' names.