Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 February 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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In light of the continuing voting in the Dáil, I propose we suspend until the end of the voting in the Dáil, if that is agreeable to the House. I apologise to Members of the House and to staff.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Have the Leader any indication how long it will be?

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I do not. I believe it is important that we would discuss this at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. This is a rolling occurrence on a Thursday and it is unfair to Members and staff. It also puts us in bad light and interferes with our work.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Absolutely.

Photo of Paul DalyPaul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Shall we say 2 p.m?

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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No, do not put a time on it. We will resume on the conclusion of the voting in the Dáil. Is that agreed?

Photo of Paul DalyPaul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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In scheduling our business, we could schedule for this time on a Thursday some business that does not involve a Minister of State or a Minister.

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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Can I also suggest 2 p.m.? We need to get to our offices and back.

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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We will be hanging around like geese outside the door.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It will be until the end of the voting. There is other business to follow afterwards.

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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How can we-----

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Senator will manage. Is it agreed to suspend?

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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To be fair to Senator Boyhan, the point he raises is a good one but we could come back at 2 p.m. and then have to suspend again, as we did before. I hope we can put this on the CPP agenda for discussion.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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We should. Is it agreed to suspend until the end of the voting? Agreed.

Sitting suspended at 1.35 p.m. and resumed at 1.50 p.m.