Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Norris, Quinn and Barrett for bringing forward the motion. Far be it from me to tell Members what to do as I am only here a wet week compared to other Members, but it surprises me that this matter has not been dealt with after 25 years. It is most annoying to watch a Member raise a matter on the Order of Business and not stay on for the reply. At one point, the Leader decided not to respond to those who did not stay on in the Chamber for his reply. I agree with this because whenever I raise a matter on the Order of Business, I make sure I stay for the reply. If I cannot do so, I will not raise the issue I want to raise. Looking around as we discuss this important issue, I note there is a very poor attendance.

I do not want to undermine the work of the committees as they have an important role to play. Recently, a committee was able to reverse the decision to close down the Coast guard stations at Valentia Island and Malin Head. It is most annoying when a committee will suspend a sitting for a Dáil vote but not for a Seanad vote. As well as this, Deputies get to speak first, even if they walk in half an hour into the meeting, while a Senator must wait until the end, even if he or she is the spokesperson on the matter under discussion. I have often waited for my opportunity to contribute at a meeting only for a vote to be called in the Seanad meaning that I miss my turn. The sitting should be suspended when there is a vote in the Seanad. That is the very least that should be done.

The motion will send a message to the committees that Senators have a function and are as every bit important as Deputies. I hope they will take on board the fact that we are now flexing our muscles by giving precedence to the Order of Business in this House over any other business. I again thank the Senators for tabling the motion which we on this side accept. I hope it will reap rewards.