Speaking protocol

Once the Chair has put the question for decision at the end of the debate, no further discussion is permitted and any attempt to do so is disorderly.

Mode of reference

Members are referred to in the third person by their names in the form "Deputy X". Ministers and Ministers of State are referred to by their titles. The Chair should be addressed as "A Cheann Comhairle", "A Leas-Cheann Comhairle" or "A Chathaoirligh", as appropriate.

Members should not use the term "you" when addressing each other as "you" is taken to mean that the Member is addressing the person in the Chair.

A Minister or the Taoiseach will be present for all matters taken in the House.

Speaker lists

For the convenience of the Chair, speakers’ lists for certain business items are provided in the chamber via the Chamber Business System (CBS). Party and technical group administrators manage speaking times for members of their party/group (the sequence of which is arranged proportionally, according to party representation ) and can directly input this information to the CBS.

The speakers’ list is managed and updated by a systems clerk in the chamber, meaning members are provided with real-time updates throughout the day as business progresses. 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. Speakers’ lists will be available to view on digital signage near the Dáil chamber. Members will also be able to view all speakers’ lists and their own individual speaking times via the members’ portal, Áis Linn, in 2025.

Speaking times and order

For the convenience of the Chair, speaker lists or templates are published to the Chamber business system (CBS), manager module by the CBS team in advance of Dáil sittings.

All party and group administrators are responsible for providing, by way of direct input to the CBS manager, speaker information for all relevant debates for their party or group.

Parties and groups usually compile suggested lists of speakers on a particular item of business, to which the Chair can refer. The advantage of these lists is that it gives Members a rough idea of when they might be called upon to speak.

The Chair will generally have regard to the list in front of him or her but is not obliged to follow it.

Precedence of the Chair

Members speak by rising in their place and addressing the Chair, so Members speak "through the Chair" rather than directly to a Member on the opposite benches. Members must not speak or applaud from outside the division lobby railings on the mezzanine level of the Chamber.

If the Chair rises during a debate, any Member who is speaking or who is on his or her feet waiting to speak must resume their seat.

Interruptions

In the normal course of events, no Member may speak twice on the same motion except for the Member moving the motion, who may close the debate. Although interruptions during debate are disorderly and will not be tolerated by the Chair, there is a procedure for limited interventions.

In summary, a Member who has already spoken may seek to intervene in a debate for no more than 30 seconds, in order to comment on or query the speech of the Member in possession of the House. This is subject to the permission of the Member in possession. Members may also seek to clarify remarks made earlier in the course of their speech, and this is subject to the permission of the Chair.

Reading of prepared speeches

According to the rulings of the Chair over the years, Members are not entitled to read from scripts but may refer to extended speaking notes. Ministers and Ministers of State are allowed to read important statements of policy or fact and on this basis are allowed to circulate a script.