How do I submit a Topical Issue?

Members or their staff can complete the steps in formulating a Topical Issue but a final request should be sent for consideration by the Ceann Comhairle through the Áis-Linn procedural system.

Áis-Linn

The Áis-Linn procedural system is an online portal facilitating full management of Topical Issues, allowing TDs access and notification tracking via mobile device app.

Topical Issues

The Ceann Comhairle may select for consideration on any day a maximum of four matters but may, at his or her discretion, choose fewer than four matters and aggregate the time.

Where the Minister or a Minister of State from the relevant Department is not available on the day, he or she must inform the Ceann Comhairle by 12 noon. The Ceann Comhairle will then inform the Deputy. The Deputy, or any one of the Deputies sponsoring the Topical Issue, may choose to defer consideration until the next day or may proceed with whichever Minister is in attendance. 

Guidelines for writing a Topical Issue 

• Determine who the question is to be asked of and commence the question with “To ask the Minister for …”
• Use the correct ministerial title
• Ensure the Minister has responsibility for the area. Topical Issues must relate to public affairs connected with a Department of State or to matters of administration for which a member of the Government or Minister of State is officially responsible, including bodies under the aegis of a Department of State in respect of Government policy
• Ensure the issue is brief and seeks fact or policy
• Ensure it does not contain personal imputation or rumour  

[TEXT BELOW TO BE UPDATED TO REFLECT USE OF ÁIS-Linn procedural system?

Send the final request to the Office of the Ceann Comhairle at Ceann Comhairle.

Ensure you meet the deadline for submission of Topical Issues – the issue must be provided in writing to the Ceann Comhairle’s Office by 10.00 a.m. on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.] 

Members must be in the Chamber at the time the item is taken in order to be called upon. Business may move at a faster or slower pace than in the schedule, so Members need to keep track to ensure they do not miss their opportunity to speak.