Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose an amendment to proposal No. 5, that Dáil Éireann on its rising on Thursday, 13 July shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 12 September 2006. Fine Gael and the Labour Party published a joint document on Dáil reform calling for longer sitting periods. My amendment would shorten the summer recess by three weeks. We must discuss the Sullivan report, the Barron report, the report on the Supreme Court decision, published on Monday, and the Harris report. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has a new way of producing legislation by holding a press conference on draft legislation on privacy and defamation. These issues are of great importance to the population at large. I recommend that the Dáil sit next week and return on 12 September. Not only will that arrangement give Members of the House time to discuss these important issues but it will also demonstrate to the public that Dáil reform, efficiency and professionalism are matters we take seriously.

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