Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It would mean that the hours we spend in the House would be much more productive. I know there are Deputies, particularly those from Dublin, who would suggest that we should sit from 9 a.m. to 5. p.m. for five days per week. This would be a totally unreasonable expectation, particularly for our colleagues with constituencies in the country who have to travel long distances and need to spend extra time at home. Thirty hours over three days would ensure proper legislation time.

The week during which the Dáil sat in January was very valuable for allowing debate on important topical issues, considering reports on substantive issues and for Second Stage debate. We should perhaps repeat this in September, bearing in mind that the function of this House is to legislate.

I also propose the publication of a monthly schedule of Second Stage legislation to be taken in the Chamber to allow for proper preparation for debate.

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