David Norris (Independent)

It is universally acknowledged that the most regularly interesting element of our day's work is the Order of Business, yet we continue to confine and cramp it and play it down. I have continuously attempted to expand it and to build on our strengths, with some small success. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, was surprised that I read out my contribution. I seldom do so. I did it once previously in an important debate on the demolition of the Combat Poverty Agency; I believe the Minister took part in that debate. I issued a script, but it did not appear anywhere. Why was that? The reason is that it was late and the media could not be bothered. There is laziness on their part.

The Cathaoirleach is placed in an invidious situation. To keep order he must rely on irrelevant and irritating tintinnabulations with a biro on his cow bell. The Order of Business is routinely chaotic. We never know properly in advance when, on what day or at what time we will meet. A classic example is today. We were informed the Seanad would sit yesterday. Suddenly, with no explanation, this changed.