John Crown (Independent)

Of course, there is no difference, as we know. When one disrupts the proceedings of this House, one is wasting taxpayers' money. As a result of the disruptions last week, we need extra time for today's session to make up for the time which could have been used more profitably last week.

May I remind Members what the Seanad should be? It should be deliberative, non-partisan and bring a different kind of experience to the one found in a House populated by full-time professional politicians. That was the intent of the framer of our Constitution. He sought a diversity of skill-sets to be brought into the House to be used for the benefit of the public. It should not be an ongoing endless Dáil cheanntair meeting for non-existent fantasy constituencies into which it is degenerating.