Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry to interrupt. I recognise what the Deputy is saying but it is important, from the point of view of the House, that the House does not always spend its time wisely. There are many delays. The message that goes out from here, which the Deputy is referring to at the moment, is not the fault of the House. The House provides the accommodation to move legislation forward when it should be moved forward in the interests of the State. The balance between debate and the movement of legislation, which may not always be one and the same thing, needs to be recognised. That is from my experience in this House. We can spend all the time we want wasting time and all the really urgent stuff can be pushed to one side. I do not think it is a good thing and I know the Government is aware of this. The Opposition needs to be aware of it as well.

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