Before the debate on Iraq commences, I wish to make a brief statement concerning the display of posters during Leaders' Questions today. The display of posters or exhibits of any kind are strictly prohibited under long-standing rules of this House and such behaviour has long been regarded as being of gross disorder. The reason for the rule is obvious but it is worth mentioning lest its intention is misunderstood. As duly elected representatives of the people in the national Parliament, each Member when given the floor is entitled to have his or her say in a debate in a civilised manner. Any attempt to upstage legitimate parliamentary activity as witnessed today is totally unacceptable and unfair to Members at large and demeaning to the serious work that this House is charged with under the Constitution. I intend to have this matter brought to the attention of the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges and in the interim I fully intend to take whatever action is necessary to uphold the rulings of my predecessors and protect the rights of Members participating in debate in this House.
