Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the first point, in terms of extending the Dáil time, I have no difficulty with it, but it may point to a need to examine the scheduling of today and whether one should have lengthened the day at the other end. We commenced today at 12 noon. I know that the Dáil reform committee has examined the issue, but there is a logic to reviewing it fairly quickly. For example, there is no reason today's sitting could not have commenced at 10.30 a.m., which would have obviated the need to go to 11 p.m. tonight. This is intended as a constructive suggestion. The same would apply to Thursday mornings. I do not see the need to be waiting around. I know the rationale behind it. People felt the committees should be separate from the plenary session and not running in parallel. However, we are cutting ourselves short in terms of available time to do things and, in my view, some of the debates are very short. For example, yesterday's European debate was quite short. I would prefer greater time to debate matters. If that means sitting a little longer during the day, that is fine. I do not have an issue with it.

On the second point and the cancellation of Questions to the Taoiseach next week, which I understand as it is because he will be at the European Council meeting, will the Chief Whip make provision to reschedule them, perhaps on the Thursday of the following week?

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