Seanad: The Fine Gael leader in the Seanad, Mr Brian Hayes, has claimed that the rules of the House were flouted by the overturning by the Cathaoirleach of a Fianna Fáil defeat.
Mr Hayes said yesterday he would be raising with the Cathaoirleach, Mr Ruairí Kiely, the "unprecedented developments" that had followed a debate on a Fianna Fáil motion commending the Government for its prudent handling of the public finances.
He contended that the acceptance by the House of his party's amendment, which was highly critical of the Government's performance, must be allowed to stand. At the conclusion of the debate, last Wednesday evening, the Fine Gael amendment was put and was agreed, with no dissenting voice from the Government side.
The motion, as amended, was also agreed.
Shortly afterwards Dr Martin Mansergh (FF) rose to make a point of order, saying that it was the Government motion, rather than the Fine Gael amendment, that his party was agreeing to.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said that the amendment had been put and agreed.
Dr Mansergh: "We assumed the Cathaoirleach would be putting it to a vote."
The Cathaoirleach, Mr Kiely, said that as there might be some misunderstanding, he would put the question again.
Mr Maurice Cummins (FG): "The only ambiguity is that the Government side was caught."
When Mr Kiely said that the Cathaoirleach decided such matters, Mr Cummins responded: "That is not in order."
Mr Kiely: "I am ruling it in order."
Mr Cummins complained that he was reversing the decision that had been taken by the House, but Mr Kiely denied that he was doing so. The Fine Gael amendment was put a second time and was declared "lost."