Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today is Europe day and it is Europe day in the Oireachtas. I got an invitation to attend an event this morning. The only thing was that I took the view that the Cathaoirleach should have had the opportunity to say a few words and the Leader should have been invited as well. The leader of the delegation to the Council of Europe and Deputy Leader might also have been invited to participate. I noted that there was not one woman or lady Member of either House on the podium this morning and I regret that very much. This is an example of the imbalance in the Houses of the Oireachtas. When events take place there should be a balance, not a token balance, but a balance of well-qualified articulate Ministers, Senators and Deputies. They should all be there. It is a small point but people should be more conscious of it. When we see a row of men on Europe day one might ask what it is all about.

Finally, thank you, A Chathaoirligh, for allowing me a commencement matter on the Rosalie unit and Knockroe House in Castlerea and on psychiatric services. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, did not come in to take the question and I regret that very much.