LARGE SCREENS HAVE been erected in the Dáil chamber to show TDs how much speaking time they have left as deputies prepare to return to Leinster House next week.

The new screens will display a countdown clock informing speaking TDs of how much time they have left during Dáil debates.

The clock is likely to be particularly useful during the high-profile Leaders’ Questions where members often go over allotted speaking time much to the frustration of the Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett.

Though there is no guarantee that deputies will pay attention to the clocks one source said they were particularly large.

The Houses of the Oireachtas has confirmed that the installation of the screens follows a decision by the Dáil’s Committee on Procedure and Privileges which Barrett chairs.

A spokesperson said that the new system is “similar to systems in other parliaments” and said the screens were installed towards the end of the last term.

“They enhance the countdown clock which has existed for many years,” the spokesperson said.

The Dáil returns next Wednesday, 18 September.

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