Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I sympathise with the Cathaoirleach on the manner in which he was obliged to try to maintain order in the House yesterday. Consequently, Members like me did not have an opportunity to contribute, which I find objectionable. While everyone deserves to be able to express his or her passion and anger, it is outrageous to shout and roar across the House. Some visitors from rural Ireland were in the Visitors Gallery yesterday and could not believe the carry-on in the Chamber. I found it to be offensive and ask my colleagues on both sides to desist from interrupting Members who are trying to be sincere and honest about their contribution.

Yesterday I tried to support my colleague, Senator Healy Eames, regarding the bilateral agreement on Vietnamese adoptions because I had received an e-mail from a constituent stating the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam was visiting Ireland and had arrived yesterday. I ask the Leader to ensure the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, will raise this issue. The lady who contacted me is one of the people who had their applications in on time but ione of the 228 who have been left out. She cannot understand how the applications of 20 people were processed, while she was one of the 228 who were left out. This appears to be an absolute outrage and I ask the Leader to have the issue raised.

In respect of the consideration by trade unions of one-day strike action, I believe the Government can negotiate to find ways other than pay cuts to save the €1.3 billion that must be saved. I have been approached by people in my constituency who still are employed but who run the risk of having their houses dispossessed because other members of the family have lost their jobs. Such individuals cannot deal with another pay cut and their core wages must be protected. There must be flexibility in respect of overtime payments, increments etc. to find ways to not burden such persons any further. The people want Members to legislate for them and not to be bickering, shouting and roaring like buffoons in the Chamber.