Seanad debates
Wednesday, 9 October 2002
Order of Business.
I welcome the visit of the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Cox, but ask for more information on the arrangements. As the Cathaoirleach and Leader know, when we have had distinguished visitors, they have often read out longwinded, factual, pre-prepared statements to the Seanad. They often took so long there was almost no time for questions other than those of the leaders. The essentially valuable ingredient of this system is that ordinary Members can question Mr. Cox. We know precisely what his position is, but, without being discourteous to such a distinguished person, I ask that he confine himself. We do not need to know the official position of the European Parliament – we already know what it is, it is coming out of our ears. I ask that we have as much time as possible for questions.
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