Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is an injustice to every Member of this House that on the occasion of deciding when the summer recess will happen, that we create a presumption in the public mind that Members of this House will not be working when in fact, each Member of this House will be working during July, part of August and September. They will be participating in their normal duties as Members of this House and all of the committees, which have done a considerable amount of work this year, will continue in that vein.

During this session we have participated in discussions in the provision of 23 pieces of legislation and I think it appropriate we have that recess to allow time for every Member of this House to take a justifiable occasion of at least two weeks off. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone well during this recess. We will continue to do our work in hand which is very important. Therefore, the Government, proposes the date I will put to the House.

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