Shane Ross (Independent)

Sometimes I wonder why we are here. I do not know how many people watched the proceedings in the Dáil last week and heard the Ceann Comhairle read a list of Bills which he had received from the Seanad. What was notable was that every Bill was received without amendment. It stood out as an indication that we are not allowed to do serious work in this Chamber. What sort of work are we being asked or permitted to do or are we, as many who have mentioned Seanad reform have indicated, becoming a rubber stamp that badly needs reform?

This afternoon we are due to debate a broad issue, the economy. I hope to God the Minister for Finance is coming to the House for the debate and that the Leader will not wheel in another political eunuch to sit in the Chamber and take no notice of what anybody here has to say.