The Chair alone has the prerogative of calling on Senators to speak. As a general principle, the Chair will alternate between Government and the Opposition in calling speakers.
Once the Chair has put a question, no further discussion is permitted and any attempt to speak at that point is disorderly.
Mode of reference
Members are referred to in the third person by their names in the form "Senator X". Ministers and Ministers of State are referred to by their titles. The Chair should be addressed as "A Chathaoirligh" or "A Leas-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.
Precedence of the Chair
Members speak by rising in their place and addressing the Chair. Members speak through the Chair rather than directly to another Member.
When the Chair is addressing the House or rises to his or her feet, all Senators present in the Chamber should be seated.
Interruptions
Members should refrain from interrupting speakers during debate. A Member is entitled to raise a point of order at any time, except when the question is being put by the Chair, but any other intervention during the speech of another Member is permissible only with the consent of the Member. Such interventions, if made, should be brief.
Last Updated: Thu, 5 Dec 2024