Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank Ms Doyle for attending. I have always admired her style, and I am not talking about clothes, although that is part of it, but her demeanour. I do not think any of our visitors have explained so vividly the background to the committee system. Through this series of discussions we have obtained a much better understanding of how the European Parliament works. I did not know the committee system was so vitally important. The 60 member environment and consumer affairs committee, of which Ms Doyle is the chairman – I congratulate her on her appointment – is of great importance. To take up Senator Mooney's point, if people take a position on an item and win the vote, the plenary session is only procedure. The vote is taken then.