Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We cannot both be adhering to them if we are doing different things. I am adhering to the Standing Orders. I invoke Standing Order 55 to ask that the question is put to the House for many reasons. It is clear that the Bill is being filibustered. An enormous amount of work from other Senators has gone into the Bill to table amendments that are constructive to the debate. It is embarrassing to the Seanad and the work of this House that people are watching. They can see exactly what is happening. Repetition is happening. Questions more appropriate to Commencement matters are being asked. They could be asked at any time. Second Stage debates are being had. People had the right to put in amendments on Committee Stage if they cared about these sections. They still have the right to put in amendments on Report Stage. It is not about people being entitled or not entitled to speak about something because people are so entitled. However, I have never seen so many members of Fianna Fáil in a room to speak on a Bill this many times and with such interest. One has to ask if they are using their entitlement or getting in the way of the Bill progressing. It is going against the work of the rest of the House. I would like the Chair to rule on whether the question should be put to the House without any more intervention.