Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I could not agree with Senator Keane's proposal that we shorten the Order of Business. It is a valuable and unique opportunity for every Member to bring to national prominence matters that are of importance on a national or constituency level. There would not be much support for shortening the time.

I agree, however, that speaking time should be measured and that we should receive feedback on our queries. I grew tired of speaking on the Order of Business because matters that were raised went into the ether and were never heard of again. In that respect, I compliment the Leader on the way he is handling business. He has the respect of the House for the professional manner in which he does his job. We will not always agree with him or help him. That is not our job. However, we respect what he is doing. The House is running more efficiently that the last Seanad. That is my opinion.