Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Although I see Senator Browne has vamoosed, the second matter is one I regard as very serious. Senator Browne said I was having two day weeks to suit myself, but I came to the House yesterday at 9 a.m. and was here all day. I met several people around the House yesterday and I will not go home until Friday. Therefore I ask Senator Browne — if he is prepared to return to the House — to offer the apology he ought to give. I take my duties as Leader of the House very seriously. Senator Browne suggested flippantly that I am here only two days a week, whereas I was here at 9 a.m yesterday and met several Senators. How dare he suggest that I treat the House in that fashion. I ask the Leader of the Opposition to see that an apology is proffered. That is the least that can be done, given the disgraceful sentiments expressed by Senator Browne. I stay four days a week in Dublin; I am very affronted by what the Senator said.