Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

The question of Northern Ireland was raised on the Order of Business. In wishing to be relevant, we should concentrate on being thoughtful and reflective rather than go for the instant soundbites that are going to hit the "Six-one". We have a role we can exercise in depth and I see that as the priority. It is curious that there is no system of questions in this House, which is very unusual in the second houses of other legislatures. I can well imagine, as I am sure the Leader can, that, looked at from the perspective of Ministers, questions in this House are needed like a hole in the head, but it is a gap and one day a week would be quite sufficient and enable us to put down written questions. It is a serious piece missing from our armoury that we cannot do that now.