Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

While accepting the argument for a shorter summer recess, it is important to emphasise that Members will attend committee meetings during this month and in September. Rather than that being seen as a way of avoiding the responsibility of returning earlier we should look on it as an opportunity. Many Members will be here in any event. It is important for the democratic process that the truth is put on the record.

The majority of Members work extremely hard and for long hours. I do not know the comparisons between this Chamber and the neighbouring island but we have left this House after midnight over the past couple of nights. Those hours were worked by people of all views. It is important not to lose sight of those facts and not to peddle a false impression as to the extent of the input of Members. That also applies to the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas who work with us over these long and difficult days.

It should not be seen as one side arguing with the other about the number of days. We should acknowledge to each other the extent of the input and effort made by all Members in ensuring we have a vibrant, democratic Chamber. However, not everybody is heading away this weekend and not everybody will be away throughout September. We could accommodate more sittings to address many of the important points Members have made. Rather than take the view that it will call their bluff, perhaps the Government should consider the argument and agree that things could be done differently and better. More sittings and fewer long nights that stretch into the early hours of the morning might accommodate a better quality of deliberation as well.

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