The sitting day can only begin when a quorum of Members is present. The quorum number will be determined once the House resumes sittings.
Commencement of sitting
A few moments before the commencement of a sitting, the bells are rung and will be heard throughout the Leinster House complex.
The sitting may only begin when a quorum is present. The sitting starts when the Chair hits the bell on the dais and stands to read the opening prayer and reflection.
Quorum
The rules of the House require a quorum of Members to allow the sitting to commence.
Members may call for a quorum at any point during a sitting, except during consideration of Private Members' Business, Topical Issues or when a committee report is being considered on a Thursday evening.
When the quorum is called, the bells are rung throughout the campus for not less than three minutes to indicate that a quorum is not present in the Chamber. If, after an interval of not less than three minutes, there are still insufficient Members present to form a quorum, the Chair shall either adjourn the sitting until later in the same day or adjourn it until the next sitting day.
Last updated: Fri, 29 Nov 2024