Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

You have always been fair, well balanced and even-handed. We will leave it at that.

I wanted to congratulate the Leader of the House and compliment him on the very businesslike intentions which he outlined for us here today. It shows how well we intend to proceed in this House. Many important items were touched on. As I did not speak the last day I congratulate Senator Norris on his very thoughtful address and all the matters he touched on, which I have no doubt we will come to do. He was most helpful to the House.

The Leader's intentions, which he outlined today, are most helpful and can be coupled with Senator Bradford's comments on bringing Ministers before the House. We should remind ourselves of the Taoiseach's intention that Ministers would be equally answerable to this House, as they are constitutionally obliged to be, as they are to other House. It is an important point to make.

I, too, want to very much welcome the formation of the new independent grouping. It will add greatly to the work of the House, as the Cathaoirleach and Leader mentioned. I look forward to working with all Senators.