Tá me ag bogadh ar aghaigh.

Deputy-----

Deputy-----

I am not going to impose the ultimate sanction. I ask for a little co-operation; just a small bit of respect for the Chair and what it represents, namely, the democratic process, please. Could we do the courtesy of listening and stop interrupting? We are moving on to the Social Democrats.

One item per question.

In case there is any confusion, that was the last block of speakers. We are moving on now to the new block. Two slots had not been filled in the last block and that was why Deputy McHugh was there. There are four speakers in this block. I call the Minister of State.

Tuigim pointe an Teachta ach tá an tAire Stáit i mbun cainte.

Deputy McAuliffe is down for four minutes but there are more minutes left because the other speaker is not here. I do not know how the Deputy will divide it up.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Jackie Cahill - To discuss specialised long-term dementia care in the Tipperary area. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss recognition of qualified teachers in the Cork Life Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Deputy Steven Matthews - To discuss retrofitting schools that were built pre-2008 as we face into winter with increasing h…

I, too, will pick up where I stopped yesterday when I talked about a republic of conscience. It is incumbent on us to reflect on what services are essential in a republic. I do not expect to hold the attention of the Ministers of State because this has been sold as a fantastic giveaway budget. Indeed, one member of the "supreme court" - a journalist - actually clapped for the Minister when he finished speaking yesterday, which was very unusual. We want a critical analysis and not to come to the Chamber negatively. …

I thought I was to have the unenviable task of being the last speaker and trying to keep you awake, a Cheann Comhairle. However, that particular burden has not fallen on my shoulders. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform quoted Seamus Heaney. I believe Seamus Heaney was actually paraphrasing Václav Havel, the former president of Czechoslovakia. He might have been better quoting from a poem by Seamus Heaney if we are going to quote him. I am reluctantly quoting because I agree with a previous speaker today…

Is the motion agreed?

Did Deputy Mattie McGrath wish to come in?

I thank the Deputy. We are moving on.

I have given a lenient interpretation of the point of order. I have allowed a leader and spokesperson from each party to speak. I take it the motion is not agreed.

I understood from some of the comments it was not agreed but that a vote was not being called. Is that correct?

It was not clear that it was a point of order. We are not going to repeat it.

I am sorry but on the question of it being unprecedented, I do not believe that is accurate. I am instructed that something similar happened in 2020 when the national reserve fund motion was taken on the night. I cannot remember-----

-----but that is what I am told.

I ask for Deputy McGrath's co-operation here. Each group has come in and registered its disagreement in relation to this. Are we moving on?