Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with everything that has been said by everyone heretofore. I understood this was the position before because when I was here first the usher told me at a committee meeting that the Senate had gone into session. I was more or less told to come up to the Chamber and I was delighted to do so. The House should have precedence over committees because it deals with vital national issues. The committees operate well but on a departmental or sectoral basis. We should be here and I agree with the remarks of the Leader, Senator Colm Burke and everyone on the other side of the House, although I do not think of them as being on the other side. The House operates as a very good debating chamber and it should not be overshadowed by committees. I imagine the Chairs will agree when this class of fixtures is presented to them. I commend Senator Norris and Senator Quinn on proposing the motion.