Before we commence questions, may I remind Members of the new procedure that comes into effect today. Members have been circulated with a detailed note on these changes, a copy of which is also before you in the House.
Under the new procedures strict time limits are imposed and these will be enforced strictly by the Chair. The new arrangements for Priority Questions reflect the procedure that was previously in place for much of last year, and Members will be familiar with them. Thirty minutes will be allocated overall for Priority Questions and each priority question will be given six minutes, the first two minutes for the Minister's initial reply and the remaining four minutes for supplementary questions and replies. A similar arrangement is now in place for ordinary oral questions, excluding questions to the Taoiseach, and that is six minutes overall, two minutes for a Minister's reply and four minutes overall for supplementaries, with the addition that of the four minutes allowed for supplementary questions, one minute maximum will be allowed for each supplementary question and for each ministerial reply thereto. These time limits double or treble up when two or more oral questions are taken together, subject to 18 minutes overall, with the exception of supplementaries which remain at one minute. Written questions grouped with orals have no effect on time limits. The intention is that the new procedure will ensure each priority question is taken without overrunning into ordinary Question Time and that more ordinary questions will be dealt with. I ask Members to co-operate with the Chair in observing the strict time limits imposed by the new sessional order.