Fine Gael supported the Government in a vote on a procedural issue to allow the Fine Gael and Labour leaders raise topical matters on the Order of Business.

A Labour amendment sought to have the matter referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, while the Green Party, Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain (SF, Cavan-Monaghan), Mr Tony Gregory (Independent, Dublin Central) and Mr Seamus Healy (Independent, Tipperary South) sought to have the facility extended to them.

The Government motion was carried by 101 votes to 21.