Ms Doyle, MEP:

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his kind words and gracious welcome. I wish to inform the Leas-Chathaoirleach that I was in this chair as Minister of State on many occasions. Those Members who have served as Ministers of State will be aware of the "rent a Minister syndrome" as I termed it. When the Cabinet Minister was not available, some unsuspecting Minister of State would be grabbed, a brief thrust in his or her hand and he or she would be sent to the Seanad with orders to sort them out.