Shane Ross (Independent)

I was a little surprised when I received the schedule of business for the week. Senators are extraordinarily frustrated at what is taking place in the House. When one receives a schedule indicating that the House will debate the economy on Wednesday and the smart economy on Thursday, one must ask whether the Seanad is being completely politically neutered. This is what is happening. Yesterday, on the Order of Business, we heard some constructive suggestions about what the House should debate. Senator O'Toole, for instance, referred to the Croke Park agreement. While I do not share his views on the agreement, it is a current issue which should be debated in the House because it is vital to what will take place outside. Instead, we chose to have statements on a general subject. Such a debate does not have any effect because no one takes a blind bit of notice of what Senators have to say on the economy in a general discussion. The House is becoming irrelevant.