Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I respectfully request the same courtesy to be shown to the points I will make to respond to the genuine concerns of colleagues, particularly those on the Opposition side. I have done everything possible to facilitate at all times, or at least 90% of the time, responding to requests from leaders. It is my duty and I consider it an honour and a privilege to do so. I will continue to do so for the next three years.

Regarding the summer break of eight weeks, the last time colleagues of the Opposition parties were in power, breaks of 11 weeks, 12 weeks and 13 weeks were taken. We have reduced this to eight weeks and we are sitting an extra week this week in response to urgent legislation. Anything we can do in Seanad reform will be considered and it is important to assist colleagues of all parties to try to make Seanad Éireann responsive to the day to day requirements of the country, particularly in the current climate.