Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for that, Sir, but perhaps I can have the temerity to say that, as a Member of the Lower House, I was advised at some stage today that I should be here at 5.55 p.m. It is now 8.20 p.m and, without intruding into the affairs of a House of which I am not a Member, if it is the wish of the Seanad, as it ought to be, to have Ministers come into the House to deal with issues for which they are responsible, I respectfully suggest Members should be able to organise their business more efficiently than inviting me to be here at 5.55 p.m. I changed two commitments I had this evening in order to be here. In the Lower House, if one has to reply to a Topical Issues matter at 5.43 p.m, the Minister is there at 5.43 p.m. I make these remarks with due respect.