Shane Ross (Independent)

I do not share the kind of self-congratulation expressed by others regarding what is happening in the House. Many previous speakers have got it right: the House can sit until at least 4 May next. We are dancing to the Dáil's tune today. We are being told to pass the Finance Bill. Despite what Senator Leyden said, none of the recommendations put forward will be accepted. The Dáil will not be obliged to sit on Saturday night. The Seanad will rubber-stamp the legislation and it will be passed. That is politics.

Why are we not sitting next week or the week after that to debate legislation? I accept Senator Boyle's comment that this is a serious House, but why will we not be scrutinising the Climate Change Response Bill 2010 or the corporate donations Bill next week? They could be debated and passed in this House before being enacted by the next Dáil. This House is not being dissolved tonight, but it is being treated with contempt.