Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am thankful for the opportunity to address the House on the Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007. My friend the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, must have drawn the short straw tonight as it is the first time in my 18 years in the Houses I have seen Private Members' business almost collapse for lack of speakers from the Government side. Although it has not collapsed as such, the Government has given over ten minutes of its time.

It is amazing the Government did not send in another speaker on this Bill. Its lack of interest is shown by the fact that none of its members is here. A Progressive Democrats Minister of State was sent in to take the flak, which must indicate the issue is a hot potato with which the Government does not want to deal. It has implored that somebody go to bat for the Government and see how it goes.

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