Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State can wince all he likes but I know that the day he saw the Schedule and was told he was taking this Bill in the Seanad, he said, "Oh my God, what did I ever do to the Taoiseach that he is sending me here for this debate?". I agree with him if that was what he thought because I would not be happy about it and I would insist that the Taoiseach get into the bed he made and deal with it. If he had any courage, that is where he would be.

I appreciate the Cathaoirleach's frustrations, and I know it is a late hour, particularly for the staff of the House, but coming up the stairs earlier a group was being given a tour and I heard the usher say, "You know, ladies and gentlemen, when the Fitzgeralds lived here, this was used for entertainment." If the Taoiseach gets his way, it might not be too long before it is used simply for entertainment but for now, these contributions are going on the record.

Regarding the way forward, step 8 on page 51 of the report outlines the importance, and I referred to former Taoiseach, John Bruton, earlier, of former Taoisigh and Tánaistí having access to the House. It states: "Former Taoisigh and Tánaistí-----