Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his opening remarks, which I studied carefully. Many points have been covered, but Senator Kieran O'Donnell is right about the lack of transparency, which is the most frustrating element for people. No one has yet told me that he or she has seen a 23% reduction in his or her premium. I have met people who have seen plenty of increases, though. I am happy to acknowledge that if a premium reduces, people do not necessarily go around talking about it, but if the average is 23%, there should be people who have received 46% and 47% reductions, and I have not heard of anyone like that.

I take issue with Senator Conway-Walsh in respect of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. My party has not contributed the 41 hours of speaking time. Were the speaking times analysed in any fair way, it would boil down to one or two individuals, as Senator Kieran O'Donnell pointed out, neither of whom is in my party. It is the business of the Government and the Leader of the Seanad, as the Minister of State well knows as a former Senator, to schedule time. If they want to schedule business other than that Bill, they are free to do so. We get through a great deal of business every week, and when it needs to get through the Seanad quickly, it often does. The Minister of State knows that. My party has facilitated him, as have other parties. A particular Bill cannot be used as an excuse for everything else being slowed down. That is not fair.