Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It has gone beyond the point of acceptability that the schedule of business in the House is so thin we are relying on statements from MEPs, eminent and all as they are. I cannot believe - this is about the Order of Business - the reason there are no Ministers available or even a lowly Minister of State cannot be snatched from somewhere around the Houses and brought here to debate several of the issues listed on the Order Paper is as inferred by the Deputy Leader. Legislative measures and also motions are crying out for debate. Topical issues and a range of other national and international matters are being ignored in the House. Surely it is not beyond the competence or capacity of the Government and the Leader, acting in the best way possible - this is not a personal criticism - in representing Members on all sides, to get a Minister to come here to debate issues. We might then at least be seen by the general public to have a more meaningful role, rather than having to listen to a succession of MEPs who are eminent and esteemed and for whom I show no disrespect.