Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the establishment of the committees. I note the reduction in membership from five to four and from 15 to 11. I do not know the rationale for this change but I believe there are far too many joint committees. I attended these committees when I was a Minister and I am aware that it is sometimes very difficult to achieve a quorum. Many committees have been delayed or cancelled because of the lack of a quorum. If every Member of this House could be on just one committee, that would be quite adequate. Each person could then work diligently on the committee and attend all the meetings. There is an abundance of committees. I suggest that arrangements be made for substitution.