David Norris (Independent)

I call for a debate on the role of the Seanad. We are supposed to be a reflective, revising and reforming House, but we increasingly encounter inroads into our speaking time. It is important, for example, to review the format of the Order of Business. It is the most relevant and most widely covered aspect of our business, yet we wish to reduce the time allowed for it. I succeeded in having it extended by ten minutes during the term of the last Seanad. It should be extended even more. It is the means by which Members raise relevant issues and it represents the political cutting edge in this Chamber. We should play to our strengths.

The Cathaoirleach was decent in his undertaking that although he will apply the time regulations strictly, he will allow those Members who are excluded an opportunity to speak at the next opportunity. However, this will only lead to a waiting list. It will be like the situation in the hospitals, with people on trolleys in the anteroom waiting to come in. It is a nonsense.