Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Given that the Taoiseach is not present, I do not believe I can share the Minister's criticism of him as the person in control, for making the Order of Business long and drawn out. I am doing for the Taoiseach what the Taoiseach did for the Minister one morning when he defended him from an attack by Deputy Rabbitte.

I welcome the concept of the Bill. However, I would like to see included a mechanism for capping legal fees. Someone informed me in the past that a senior counsel will not get out of bed in the morning for less than €10,000. I intend no reflection on the Minister but that comment was made by a person in the legal profession whose views I respect.

See this speech in context