On a point of order, will the Ceann Comhairle agree to five minutes being added to Question Time given that we are starting five minutes late which means some of the ordinary questions will not be answered?
Ceisteanna – Questions. Oral Answers.
It is fixed by Standing Orders that we allow 45 minutes for the Taoiseach's questions. I call Question No. 1.
The Taoiseach was six minutes late.
We are losing time.
Does the Ceann Comhairle have the discretion to add the extra six minutes?
Not really.
How can you get that discretion?
It is laid down in Standing Orders.
The key is to get here by 2.30 p.m.
A courteous attitude is the minimum we can expect from the Government.
The Government does not enter if there is not a quorum and it is the Government parties' job to keep a quorum.
The Chair will not enter into the business of a quorum. I call Question No. 1.