Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Senator John Whelan sent Seanad Members a precis of comments he made in regard to the good work which the Seanad does and can do. I compliment him on what was a well thought out and presented precis.

I have previously stated in this House that the manner in which business is ordered here is fundamental to our output. I believe we have since last December gone down hill in this regard. It is difficult to find out what days and at what time the House is sitting and we are finishing up too early. The House sat yesterday, despite that there is ample time this week to deal with the business dealt with yesterday and will finish early this evening. Private Members' business is now being taken at 4 p.m. and on Thursday the House will rise at 2 p.m. I do not believe that is how we should be constructing our business. I am not necessarily blaming this on the Leader, who is perhaps being influenced in this regard by someone from the Taoiseach's office.