Dáil starts late because not enough TDs in the chamber

Dáil proceedings were delayed for almost 10 minutes on Wednesday because not enough TDs were present for the normal 9.30am start.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe struggled to get sufficient numbers into the chamber to start, and TDs and Ministers having breakfast in the Leinster House canteen were called in to make up the numbers.

Under the standing orders or rules of the House, there must be a minimum of 20 TDs in the Dáil chamber before the business of the day can commence.

And the obligation is on the Government side to ensure the 20 TDs are present.

On Wednesday morning questions to Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald were, as a result delayed, for close to 10 minutes.

The 20 TDs only need to be present for the start of the business and can then leave the chamber. The Opposition often use the requirement to call a quorum on contentious issues such as legislation.

Fewer TDs have been attending the House in recent weeks, remaining in their constituencies to canvass in advance of the general election being called.

In one vote on Tuesday night, on the Technological Universities Bill, the result was 30 to 17 in favour of the Government, one of the lowest turnouts recorded in the past five years.