Speakers list

Speakers list

Members should contact their party and group administrator to place their name on the speakers’ list for a relevant item of business. Speakers’ lists will be published to the Chamber Business System and party and group administrators can update the list throughout the day as required.

The speakers’ lists for relevant business items are arranged proportionally, according to party representation.

Speaking in the Chamber

Members must be in the chamber at the time the item is taken in order to be called upon. Members who miss their speaking slot may not be called upon again until the next available slot for their party or group arises. Members may check their position on the list by contacting their party/group administrator, by viewing the speakers’ list displayed on digital signage near the Dáil chamber, or via the Áis Linn module (due in 2025).

The Chair will generally have regard to the list but has some discretion as to the order in which he or she calls upon members to contribute. While speaking, a clock will be visible to members on the railing screens in the chamber which will count down the remaining speaking time.

Members should adhere to the timings provided during their contributions and it is open to the Chair to interrupt members where the allotted time has elapsed. 

Speaking time

It is not permissible for members to share time with members of other parties/groups, unless an Order of the House specifically provides for the transfer of time between parties/groups. Sharing of time is not generally provided for in Standing Orders, with the exception of Standing Orders relating to debates on Committee reports and private members’ Bills on Thursday evenings, both of which expressly provide that members may share time on prior notice to the Chair.