Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I also commend the efforts of Ms Deirdre Lane, Ms Jody Blake and all the team in the Seanad office, who are still under-resourced in terms of the work they have to do on our behalf. They are always there to point out flaws in the amendments we put forward and to guide us. Their work is of a highly-professional standard, a matter which, perhaps, we take for granted. Like everything done well, it is made to look easy, but it is professional and skilled work which allows the Seanad to run smoothly.

I share the remarks on the coverage that Jimmy Walsh and The Irish Times consistently give to the House. Five years ago, we would have discussed the fact that the Seanad receives little coverage. The issue now arises of the lack of coverage of politics. However, we should give attention in the new year to the fact that the most interesting time in the day in this House is, usually, the Order of Business. The Order of Business here is about four times more interesting than that of the other House, which is completely dull.