Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I take quite seriously the point made by Senator Ryan. If it were to be read into this section that these meetings could only take place on a Monday or Friday because Members of the Oireachtas would be liable to attend the Oireachtas on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, that would be somewhat retrograde and would be a constraint. My intention — maybe I have not achieved it in the manner in which this is phrased — was to bring about a situation where they would have the right to attend and be heard, not that they would be ex officio full voting members. If they are full voting members then they will have to be accommodated. Viewing it from my temporary perspective on the matter from the Government side of the equation, an Opposition Deputy is free to drive down to Kilkenny or wherever——