Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the statements made today but before I respond, I wish to comment on the three references to the fact this House does not seem to be particularly busy. Approximately four times each week I inquire whether there is any legislation to be dealt with. There has been only one new Bill since we returned. That was a money Bill about dormant insurance policies. Money Bills must first go to the other House and then they come to this one. The week after next there will be two new Bills. I hope when we sit on Tuesdays those who spoke passionately about these matters will be in the House ready to speak. I noticed that some of the most passionate speakers were Members I had not seen for some time.

Senator Brian Hayes called for a suspension of Standing Orders to hold an emergency debate on transport. The Cathaoirleach will make a decision on the matter. The Senator also called for a debate on the Ombudsman's report which I also regard as serious, particularly, as was raised by another speaker, the disclaimer by one group as against another as to what has caused the difficulties. It is a serious matter which we must address. I will, or I will have my office, speak to the Minister for Finance regarding a debate on the Ombudsman's report. If we make a decision to debate it, somebody must come into the House to respond.

Senator O'Toole referred to insurance. It is commercial opportunism of the rarest kind to latch on to what is a good measure and to use it against people rather than to reduce the premium of people who do not get a point against their name. The Senator mentioned one company in particular. Under Standing Order 29, he also raised the issue of freight and CIE.

Senator Ryan was one of those who said we were not doing very much work in the House. People have requested that various Ministers – such as the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Minister for Education and Science – appear before the House, and they have. We hope to have the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation here next week. I hope to open up this process so that there is a definite question and answer session at the end of each sitting, enabling Members to request to speak and to ask general questions and get answers. I hope that the week after next, or perhaps even next week, we will meet on Tuesday afternoon and work right through.