We were dealing with the Order of Business and the Senator to whom I wish to speak is not in the Chamber at the moment. Therefore, the only thing I can do now is continue and ask the Leader——
Order of Business (Resumed).
(Interruptions).
The Senator should withdraw the remark.
The Senator should be named.
(Interruptions).
At the moment, until the man is present, I would prefer to continue. I would prefer if any Member I am to name is present when I am doing so. I would not like to do it in his or her absence. I would like to give any Member, no matter who it is, an opportunity to——
The Senator had the exact same opportunity as every other Member to attend when the bell rang.
I would like to give the opportunity to any Member to withdraw a remark. I would like to do that, to be fair.
The sitting should be suspended for a further ten minutes.
The Senator should be here.
(Interruptions).
I am chairing this sitting. We will suspend for a further three minutes.
I understand that Senator Jim Walsh is watching a playback of the proceedings in his office. As his office is a short distance from here——
(Interruptions).
I will abide by the ruling of the Cathaoirleach with regard to the proceedings.
I will suspend the sitting until 3.55 p.m. I had a look at the playback myself. To be honest and fair — and I wish to be fair to everyone — I do not know if an apology was made. I could not hear, as other people were speaking.
It most certainly was not.
There was no apology.
I listened to it and am not sure exactly what happened. I would prefer to deal with the matter when the Senator is here. I will suspend the sitting again for another three minutes, by which time I hope the Senator will be here. If he is not, I will move on the issue then.
Sitting suspended at 3.43 p.m. and resumed 3.46 p.m.