Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I second Deputy Kenny's proposal. I do not propose to discuss in detail the reasons sittings should resume earlier than proposed as they are obvious and best set out by Deputy Sargent in column 1208 of the Official Report of 6 July 2006. I fully support everything the Deputy said at the time.

I regret the House will rise without appointing committees. It is further evidence of the disrespect shown to the House and the rights of the Opposition. Yesterday, for example, the Taoiseach absented himself on one of the rare opportunities to be accountable in the House. The conference of trade unions lasted for four days, during which the Taoiseach would have been accommodated at any time, but he chose to attend at a time that coincided with Leaders' Questions. He would not attend to take parliamentary questions or the Order of Business but he managed to get back to pose for photographs with candidates for the Seanad. I hope when we begin business in earnest in the autumn that we will see a bit more respect for this House and the Opposition.

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