David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As leader of the Independent group, I join colleagues in wishing the Cathaoirleach and all members of staff, including the Clerk of the Seanad, Ms Deirdre Lane, and the other clerks and the ushers, a happy Christmas. Over the years, we notice rolling change, and many of the old familiar faces are gone. We wish well those who have gone, including those who have very recently retired. They have performed a very remarkable service and have made life in this House so much easier. We wish them a good holiday and a happy Christmas.

I cannot help noticing the very large number of guillotines. This is a practice that the Government initially set its face against. It is a pity it is happening. I do not blame the Leader at all. In the calm light of the new year, we should approach the Government requesting an end to the practice of having a Gadarene rush of legislation in the days leading up to Christmas. There is no need for it. If Government business were properly planned and if we had the correct number of professionally qualified draftspeople, there would be absolutely no need for it. Guillotining is bad legislation and leads to defects in legislation. It is very much to be regretted.

As I speak, there are approximately ten Members of Seanad Éireann, or one sixth of the membership, in the House. I will have to leave after I speak, for which I apologise, but I usually stay here for the whole Order of Business. Increasingly, I have noticed colleagues floating in just as the Order of Business is about to end, asking a question and then floating out again. That treats not only Seanad Éireann but also colleagues with disrespect. This is a vital part of the day's business and should be treated with respect. I hope we will address this in the new year. Whether we will have time to do so before this Parliament disappears, I just do not know. However, it is a practice that we need to address because it leads to a kind of ravelling away of the essential strength and core of Seanad Éireann.