Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

One minute is sufficient to do a lot of damage. Somebody realised this would discommode the Opposition which would have already made its plans for this part of the week. As the Minister of State knows well, the Opposition must plan its work for the week a week ahead and do its job on that basis. It is different for the Government. When one is in government and bringing a Bill into the House — this information may assist those who could not understand the recent Lisbon treaty — all a Minister has to do is reach behind him for the aide-mémoire that comes from the dutiful civil servant who is on hand at all times to illuminate, update, reassure and encourage Ministers. That facility is not available to unfortunate Members of the Opposition. I am not crying for its introduction. We are well able to look after ourselves and our own interests, but this means we must work harder, read more and be forever vigilant.

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