Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Thomas Byrne, the acting Leader of the Opposition, made a number of points on the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill. It was brought to the Dáil twice, but it was not reached on both occasions. It will be brought back to the Dáil next week.

On the drafting of legislation, it is certainly not a matter for me. I can only schedule the legislation brought before this House, be it legislation commenced here or legislation passed in the Dáil. That is my obligation. There have been occasional gaps in the schedule, but it is a testament to how efficiently we deal with Bills in this House. Up to 40 Bills have been initiated in this Seanad, which is way in excess of the number initiated in previous Seanaid. I will not, therefore, take lectures from Members on the other side of the House in that regard.

For a long period Members have requested an exchange with our MEPs, especially on EU matters. How often do we hear from the public that they never hear from their MEPs and about what they are doing? The opportunity to exchange views with Senators is one the MEPs have grasped themselves. The debates we have had have been very fruitful for both the MEPs and Senators. Unfortunately, the Members who are most vociferous about European affairs are, in some cases, not the ones who are attending to have an exchange with MEPs when they are in attendance.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill referred to having respect for the House in regard to its business. I suggest he have respect for it. He tabled a number of matters for the discussion on the Adjournment, but did not even attend when Ministers were present to address them. Respect ought to be shown on both sides.