Could it be agreed that we complete the remaining questions today? It means sitting later than 5 o'clock.
Business of Dáil.
An order was not moved in time. This seems irregular.
There is a special little function on at a particular time. I do not think people should be in doubt about the time of this little function. It is a presentation to a member of the staff who is retiring after 42 years service.
I thought we might agree on it.
I agree.
I agree.
Is this agreed all round? The Chair points out to Deputies that there are a large number of questions to be completed and the number of supplementary questions should be restricted.
On a point of order, would the Chair not agree that the purpose of a question is to elicit information and when we do not get sufficient information it is necessary to ask supplementary questions? This should be settled here once and for all. I do not think Deputies in this House should be restricted in their attempts to elicit information by means of supplementary questions. I would object very strongly to that.
The Deputy is well aware that there is a Standing Order which governs the asking of supplementary questions.
It is the only way we can get information from Ministers and Departments, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, with due respect.
The Deputy will have to raise the grievance at the Committee of Procedure and Privileges. As far as the Chair is concerned, it must follow Standing Orders. There are still about 110 or 112 questions to be answered.