Seanad debates

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

7:00 pm

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader wishes to make an amendment to the Order of Business.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that we would adjourn the State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill at 7.15 p.m. rather than conclude it, if not previously concluded.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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I wish to raise a point of order.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Could we have silence in the House please? Senator Barrett wishes to raise a point of order.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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The reports we have heard - they have not been confirmed - that the Taoiseach is concerned that the banking inquiry should have a pro-Government majority-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order. We are proceeding to resume our discussion on the State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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I accept your ruling, a Chathaoirligh, but could I just say that partly it is based on a misunderstanding that I am an anti-Government member of the committee.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order. We are proceeding to deal with section 34 of the Bill.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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I gather that the other House has been suspended on the basis of the appointments to the banking inquiry. If I could do anything to alleviate the fears that appear to exist in Government that the committee as constituted would not serve the country, I would welcome the opportunity, at your discretion, to explain my position. I appreciate that we have resumed discussion of the Bill but I wish to set the fears of the Government at ease on how the finance committee operates under Deputy Ciarán Lynch.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order. The other House is in session.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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It might damage governance and this House if the Government insists on having a majority on the committee and overturns the committee that has been duly constituted.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I must rule Senator Barrett out of order. We are proceeding to deal with section 34 of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh.

Order of Business, as amended, agreed to.