On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 440 of 443 decisive votes (0 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC | Ceann Comhairle / Chair | 2,606 | 2020-07-30 – 2022-12-12 |
| FG | Fine Gael | 405 | 2020-01-21 – 2026-07-08 |
Membership spells on record: FG 1989-10-01–1992-12-17 · FG 2007-07-23–2011-04-25 · FG 2011-02-25–2016-03-09 · FG 2016-03-10–2020-03-29 · FG 2020-03-30–2025-01-29 · FG 2025-01-29–present
Before we commence, I would like to remind Senators they may speak only once on Report Stage, except the proposer of an amendment, who may reply to the discussion on the amendment. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to the House for the discussion.
When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I thank the Minister for concluding matters on a very positive note. When is it proposed to sit again?
An bhfuil sé sin aontaithe? Aontaithe.
I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am sure he was welcomed earlier, but not on my watch, as Ronald Reagan might have said.
Is Senator Byrne pressing the amendment?
Yes, the Senator can.
The Minister of State has indicated the position. Is the Senator pressing the amendment? I gather that the Minister of State does not wish to comment further.
How stands the amendment? Is the Senator pressing the amendment?
Amendment No. 55 is ruled out of order as a potential charge on the Exchequer.
I note that Senator Byrne says "in many ways". Could I respond to him?
The position is that amendment No. 55 would require the commission to establish a broadcasting committee. Establishment of a committee would involve additional expenditure and remuneration for committee members. The amendment must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 41, as it has the potential to impose-----
Senator Ruane should please not interrupt me. It has the potential to impose a charge on the revenue. I might draw the attention of Senators to section 19(1), which states: "The Commission may establish committees to assist and advise the Commission on matters relating to its functions or on such other matters as the Commission may determine." I also draw their attention to section 19(8), which states: "There may be paid by the Commission to members of a committee such allowances for expenses (if any) incurred by t…
If Senators want further clarification, they must get it from the Cathaoirleach's office.
No, that is a panel not a committee. That is not a point of clarification.
No, it is not.
There is.
In any case, I refer the Senators to the Cathaoirleach's office for further discussion.
We will move on. Amendment No. 56 is in the names of Senator Higgins-----