Rules regarding a question raised by the opposition being ruled 'Out of Order'

What are the rules regarding a question raised by the opposition being ruled 'Out of Order' ?

As it's the Ceann Comhairle who decides this (who is a FF member) is it just a convenient way of the Govt avoiding awkward questions ?

As the ruling can't be appealed (seemingly) it doesn't seem very open and democratic.

Comments ?

Re: Dáil questions 'Out of Order'

The Ceann Comhairle can be challenged though - most memorably in recent history by an unapologetic Pat Rabbitte a couple of years ago.
If I remember, Pat accused him of being "partisan".

Re: Dáil questions 'Out of Order'

The Dail has an ‘order of business’ where topics are raised that have been submitted in writing. If anyone asks a question that is not on topic they will be ruled out of order.

Re: Dáil questions 'Out of Order'

Deputies can also raise issues of national importance and the Dail can be adjourned from its business to debate them, the most recent example if the foot and mouth crisis. However the topics usually submitted under this heading dont fall into the criteria and are ruled out of order. Alternatively they can raise then on the adjournment, each evening after normal buisness 4 issues are raised. it involves usually a junior minister reading out a prepared script on an issue. No questions can be asked so its a usually facile excercise but this won't stop Deputies claiming "I raised it in the Dail!"