Debate contribution: Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers
Debate contribution by Ms Sorcha Eastwood on .
- MLA
- Ms Sorcha Eastwood
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 7 December 2022
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Assembly Business
- Heading
- Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4178718
Read the official Assembly record
Text
On a point of order, Mr Acting Speaker. I want to raise a point of order under Standing Order 65 about the language that was used earlier and that the Member who has just spoken referred to. I was going to wait until the end, but I think that now is the appropriate time to raise it. I understand that the Member withdrew the remarks. However, it is incumbent on all Members to be dignified in their use of language and to ensure that it is reflective of the whole community. Obviously, that fell short on this occasion. I also reference your reluctance to make a ruling, Mr Acting Speaker, when you said, "People can say what they want", or words to that effect. It is incumbent on you in the Chair to make a ruling and to say what language is appropriate. I would like to hear a ruling on that, Mr Acting Speaker.
On a point of order, Mr Acting Speaker. I would like to clarify that, yes, we will follow up in writing. However, I also wish to log for the record that it is disappointing that a simple statement could not have been made from the Chair about those comments. For the record, that language was unparliamentary. Women belong in the Chamber and, in fact, in every meeting where decisions are made. I would like that to be heard for the whole House.
237 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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