Mary Moran (Labour)

I agree with colleagues that the work of the Seanad is not reflected fairly and equitably in the media. We have heard many calls in the House for RTE to devote a greater portion of "Oireachtas Report" to proceedings in the Upper House. The Seanad is sitting five days this week, yet that programme is being shown only on the days on which the Dáil is in session. We must have a debate on the need for greater parity in media coverage of the work of the two Houses. The excellent work being done in this Chamber is often glossed over. On last night's "Oireachtas Report", for instance, the important debates on the fiscal treaty and the Mahon tribunal's report in which we engaged yesterday were barely mentioned.

Senator David Norris commented on attendance rates in the House and claimed none of the Taoiseach's nominees was in attendance today. I remind him that I am one of those nominees and I am here every morning. Observers who see an almost empty Chamber might conclude there are few Senators in the vicinity of Leinster House. However, it is only when one becomes a Senator that one realises how much of our work takes place outside the Chamber.