Cathaoirleach
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Cathaoirleach (pronounced, ka-here-loch) is the title of the speaker of the sixty-member Irish upper house, Seanad Éireann (pronounced sch-anad air-inn).The current Cathaoirleach is Senator Rory Kiely. The Cathaoirleach is the sole judge of order and has a range of powers and functions namely:
- Calls on members to speak and all speeches must be addressed to the Chair.
- Puts such questions to the House as are required, supervises Divisions and declares the results.
- Puts such questions to the House as are required, supervises Divisions and declares the results.
- Has authority to suppress disorder, to enforce prompt obedience to Rulings and may order *Members to withdraw from the House or name them for suspension by the House itself for a period.
- In the case of great disorder can suspend or adjourn the House.
The Cathaoirleach is also an ex-officio member of the Presidential Commission, the collective vice-presidency of Ireland.
External link
- Official website (http://cathaoirleach.oireachtas.ie/)