David Norris (Independent)

It would not have killed those in the Dáil to have been asked to wait around for a couple of hours in order to pass the amendments. It is perfectly clear that the contribution of this House is not taken seriously by the Government. I deplore that.

Our tabling of amendments is largely redundant, apart from the exercise of making the case for what may well be a re-examination of this legislation. No doubt there must be such a re-examination. We have been frustrated in our primary function as the second Chamber and that is a great pity. I look to the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to relay to the Government this view, which I am sure is shared on all sides of the House, although some may be inhibited in expressing it. I ask him to relay to Government that, on serious issues of this nature, Seanad Éireann should be permitted to fulfil its obligations. None of use want to be in here at this hour on a beautiful summer's day, but we have a duty to the people of the State and we should be assisted, rather than frustrated, in fulfilling our role.