Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business to discuss the Seanad's programme of work because Members' first duty is to the House to which they were elected. Sadly, what happened yesterday was disrespectful and, given the manner in which it has come across, it could be taken to be disgraceful. An apology should be issued because the Leader must work through consultation. It is clear from what has been stated that as Leader of the House, he has let Members down. There was no consultation, this House should have sat yesterday and there was no reason for it not do so do.

With respect - I say this because I have respect for the Leader and the office he holds - he cannot run this House as though it was his own personal fiefdom. He cannot run it to suit his own agenda. Everyone should be consulted and at a minimum, there should be consultation among the leaders of the groups, who I thought all got on well together. Sadly, arising from what has been drawn to my attention today, unless the Leader gets this right he will lose the confidence of this House and of his own colleagues in particular. That is not something for which any Member wishes because it demeans us all and lessens the House. There was no agreement of which I am aware that this House should not sit on Tuesdays in May. Like Senator O'Toole, I was present both last May and in previous Mays on Tuesdays. Consequently, there is no reason of which I am aware that the House should not have sat. I await the Leader's response in this regard.

I support the points made by colleagues about excessive and exorbitant management fees and the comments regarding the rare species of birds that sadly are being destroyed, but more of that anon.