Joe O'Toole (Independent)

On the proposal to adjourn the House, there is a long parliamentary tradition of having discussions on the Adjournment. There has never been a time during which such cynicism has been directed at the parliamentary and legislative systems. If we meet and immediately adjourn, and afterwards deal with only one item of business, having just come through one of the most turbulent months in our history in terms of the economy and other issues such as child abuse, the Middle East and wars, we will give the impression that we are utterly and completely detached from what is happening.

I take the Cathaoirleach's point that this is intended to be a special sitting. However, in that regard, rather than adjourn, we could very well use this in-between time to make some points and observations on how matters are proceeding and how we find ourselves. Radio stations and newspapers are now asking ordinary people for their views on the economy, the world, the Irish situation, and how the country should move forward. We are meeting now and we are elected to represent the voices of the people. If we sit down and keep our mouths shut we will not be giving voice to the views of the people we represent. We do neither ourselves nor the House a service by doing this.