Alex White (Labour)

I thank the Leader and colleagues for their gracious remarks. As for the failure of the House to sit yesterday, I agree with my colleagues that it is embarrassing. However, it is just as embarrassing when one considers not so much the quantity of Seanad sittings but their quality. The Cathaoirleach should bear with me, as I do not for one minute suggest debate in the House is not of high quality; when it happens, it is. However, I agree with Senator Fitzgerald who touched on this issue, that the procedures must be loosened in order that Members can genuinely delve into and scrutinise subjects, particularly the four-year plan the Government is to bring forward.