Day-to-day parliamentary procedure derives from a number of sources including Standing Orders, sessional orders, which modify or set aside a Standing Order for a specifed period, ad hoc orders or resolutions, rulings of the Chair and established practice and precedent.
Standing Orders
Article 15.10 of the Constitution gives Seanad Éireann the power to make its own rules for the conduct of business, known as the Standing Orders of the House. The Standing Orders are written rules of procedure which are decided and adopted by the House itself.
The Standing Orders are amended or added to by the House from time to time, on the recommendation of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight.
Rulings of the Chair
The rules for the conduct of business in Standing Orders are interpreted and applied by the Cathaoirleach to particular situations. Decisions made by the Cathaoirleach on the interpretation or application of Standing Orders are known as rulings of the Chair.
Last Updated: Thu, 5 Dec 2024