Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Cuirim leis an méid atá ráite ag an Tánaiste agus cuirim béim ar an méid a dúradh gur ag obair a bheidh na Teachtaí Dála sa chuid is mó den am as seo go dtí 18 Meán Fómhair. It is very important that we do our job well in this House but we have duties beyond this House, both in our constituencies and nationally, as national politicians. There is no way we can reflect the views of the people in this House if we are not out among the people around the country. Everybody in this House knows that the notion sometimes purveyed that when we are not here, we are not working is false. I have no doubt that, as the Tánaiste said, most of the Members of this House would be lucky to get two weeks holidays and for the rest of the time they will be working at the other elements of this job, which are equally important. It also gives us an opportunity to do research, and I know from Ministers that they will use the time to have meetings in their Departments and to discuss policy issues. I join the Tánaiste in wishing you, a Cheann Comhairle, and everybody the best over the summer period and we will be fighting fit come the autumn.

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