Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

Yes I am. He had one of the best records for attendance at votes. As I am an officeholder, I sometimes am obliged to be paired to facilitate attendance at meetings. As for the point on arranging meetings, one cannot determine when an EU meeting or an OECD meeting will take place. As it may well be when the Dáil and Seanad are sitting, one must be realistic in that regard.

I certainly have no problem in comparing myself or being compared to a factory worker. A factory worker has a useful, valuable and dignified job and I do not regard myself, as an Oireachtas Member, to be in any way above or beyond someone who happens to be a factory worker.