Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I was almost tempted to give the previous speaker a few minutes of my time.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. I compliment my friend and colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, on his clear efforts in this regard. Many Members will have been impressed by his contribution, which was very accommodating. It was good that he acknowledged the contribution made to the establishment of the committee system by the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, when he served as Minister for the Environment. The debate gives an opportunity to pay tribute to the staff of the Oireachtas who service the Houses and the committees in such a professional way and I am grateful to them for their efforts in that regard.

I normally do not rise to Opposition comments but a number of contributions by Opposition Members have been entertaining. Deputy Shatter made a comparison between Government backbenchers and eunuchs. I do not mean to be flippant but when I was first elected five years ago to replace my predecessor, former Deputy Chris Flood, many people said I would have a comfortable experience if I sat on the Opposition benches and was able to ask questions about everything and raise issues on every subject under the then Standing Order 31 and so on, but I was, and still am, quite happy to sit on the Government benches. Life might be different and more comfortable on the Opposition benches.

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