Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

It is worth noting the facts in respect of the House not sitting last week. When the calendar was produced for the sitting days of the Dáil and the Seanad, it indicated clearly that this House would not sit last week. I understand the Leader was requested by a number of Opposition Members to have a sitting last week and to facilitate those requests he came to me to ascertain how many pairs would be required. When I realised the number of pairs required on the Government side, due to people making medical and other personal appointments given that we were not sitting on the day, I indicated that number to him and he asked me to obtain pairs from the Opposition. When I approached the Fine Gael Whip, he was more than obliging and offered me quite a few pairs. However, that was not enough to facilitate the requests I had.

I have an excellent working relationship with all of the Whips, and in particular Senator Maurice Cummins. I regret that Senator Cummins was blamed for this House not sitting last week.