Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It has been stated that this is an unprecedented step and a new initiative. The Appropriation Bill was discussed in this House in my early years in the House, as the Acting Chairman well knows. It was discussed for a considerable length of time and all Members were allowed to participate. It gave a good opportunity to contribute in general on the expenditure of moneys. I believe we should go back to that. The closing of business in both of these Houses over the past three years has been nothing short of regrettable. The Government came into power with an agenda of openness and transparency.