On a point of order——
Business of Seanad.
The Leader gave a commitment that the time allowed for debate would be reconsidered.
I received an assurance.
"In respect of each of the sections not disposed of, that the section or, as appropriate, the section as amended is hereby agreed to in committee, that the Schedule and the Title are hereby agreed to in committee ——
A point of order has been raised by at least four of my colleagues. Standing Orders are absolutely clear on this matter. Where a point of order is raised, and there are now four Senators on their feet, the Chair must give way to the point of order.
——that the Bill, as amended, is accordingly reported to the House, that Report Stage is hereby completed and the Bill is hereby passed." I cannot hear a point of order while putting the question.
The question cannot be put until the point of order is heard.
As Acting Leader, I propose an extension until 7.30 p.m.
The House is in uproar on all sides.
I understand the Leader is in the Houses but she is not in the Chamber. The Order of Business was amended to allow this debate to be extended to 7.15 p.m.
I put a question to the Leader while she was in the Chamber and she stated that I would have the opportunity to speak on section 5. With the deepest respect, I challenge the ruling of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and his authority to put this question.
On a point of order, it is a long-standing precedent in this House that the Government spokesperson acts as Acting Leader in this House. The Acting Leader has proposed an extension.
On a point of order, the Leas-Chathaoirleach clearly put the question of a review at 7.15 p.m. to the Leader. That was agreed by the House 30 minutes ago.
This House decides its own business.
The Leader has not come into the Chamber to extend the time.
She stated that it would be reviewed, not that she would review it. The Acting Leader has proposed an extension that has unanimous approval in the Chamber. There is open revolt in this House.
The Leader has not amended the Order of Business.
I propose a deferral until the Leader can return to the Chamber.
The Leader is arriving.
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for putting the question, which was correct. I propose to extend this debate to 7.30 p.m. but not beyond that.
I withdraw the question. Is the amended Order of Business agreed? Agreed.