Seating Protocol
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Hoteliers and caterers in general are sometimes faced with the question of the order of precedence to be accorded in seating arrangements for banquets or other functions. This is an issue which might arise, for instance, when various dignitaries of Church, State and diplomatic service attend a function and where there is anxiety to ensure that the status of individuals is appropriately recognised, usually the public authority or other organisation responsible for the function will decide on the seating arrangements but sometimes the caterer may be expected to provide some guidance. While precedence to be accorded to certain top dignitaries will be obvious the relative precedence of other categories of dignitary has not been rigidly defined into practice. Much will depend on the occasion, or whether, for instance, a particular individual is being honoured or is a special guest. Perception of importance will vary depending on the circumstances; common sense and sensitivity are important in deciding on precedence. The Chairperson for the function, or the host as the case may be will perside over the function. Top precedence is clear: 1. The President of Ireland The usual practice at State Functions is to accord subsequent precedence as follows:- 5. Apostolic Nuncio However, at functions other than State functions the Lord Mayor of Mayor of a city, when in his/her own area, takes precedence over everyone except the President of Ireland. There is no one form of address used for women who occupy any of the positions listed below. Ms is often used where there marital status is unknown or deemed to be irrelevant. Ms is therefore set out in the following list; Miss or Mrs can replace it where appropriate. |