The Government has had 20 minutes in which to speak and neither the Minister nor the Minister of State actually addressed the purpose of the motion, which is to underline the fact that we faced this crisis, and that this jurisdiction was one of the slowest developed countries in Europe or elsewhere to reopen closed schools, because our school system is underfunded, understaffed and overcrowded. Unfortunately, that issue was not addressed in either speech. I appreciate that there are other issues to be addressed, I …

Could I clarify matters please? Are you saying, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, that the motion, as amended, is agreed to?

No. I am sorry. Gabh mo leithscéal. My understanding is that there will have to be a vote on the amendment before we vote on the motion.

I did call a vote.

I am sorry. I thought I said it.

No.

I have to say now-----

No, it is a different proposition though, because-----

I did say "Níl".

Could we consult some of the other people who might have heard me?

It was definitely said, and it is important because-----

Yes.

Yes, we did.

No.

This is a vitally important point. We tabled a motion and an amendment was tabled to it.

You asked the question. I said "No". I also said "Vótáil". I appreciate that perhaps you did not hear me-----

-----but I did everything in accordance with the procedures of the House and I do not believe it is fair or equitable that the motion itself, that we just spent two hours debating, is somehow annulled because of that.

Could I appeal to the good grace of the Government, which would surely be aware that I would have called "vótáil", and indeed I did call "vótáil", that it accepts that a division was challenged? I do not ask the Government to accept the motion - that is obviously its prerogative - but to accept that a division was challenged. This is just about fair procedure.

Could I-----

You will be aware, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, that it would have been my intention to call "Vótáil". I did call "Vótáil". I did say "Níl". According to you, a motion we put quite a bit of work into is now to be set aside for the Government amendment.