Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Due to the fact that this debate is longer than the usual time set aside for statements, and there is more flexibility in terms of who speaks and for how long, I ended up in the Chamber for a lot longer this afternoon than intended. Usually, I would have been quite content to busy myself by working in my office, attend other meetings and pay attention to proceedings by watching the debate on the television screen, as we all do and there is no shame in doing so. However, I am glad that I have been here for a lot longer than I intended. Not only have I heard all of the debate and the varied contributions but I have witnessed the reaction of Senators, members of public in the Visitors' Gallery who come and go, the Minister of State and of course, even though they will not like me saying so, the civil servants seated behind him whose reactions can sometimes be a bit revealing.

I have no problem in admitting, and I am sure the following is a wholly unpopular statement, that I voted for the abolition of this Chamber. I have put that on the record of this House and said it on many occasions. When I was confronted with the fact, which I never hid, by councillors, Senators and Deputies on the campaign trail I was very upfront in admitting that I voted for the abolition. I stood by my conviction.