Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Just before the amendments, I want to express my concern that on Thursdays there is a new voting system in the Dáil, which in a sense puts this Chamber on hold from roughly 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. I am not sure how we can get around it, but we should reflect on it over the summer. On the Thursday we basically have to adjourn for an hour and a half because the Ministers are all tied up as that is when they vote. There is block voting going on. It is not very satisfactory for us because, whether it is the scheduling of committees, which I have been involved in for many years in this House, or this issue, there seems to be scant regard by the other House for our work here. That is unfair and not tenable. We should remember and the other House should remember the acid test when two years ago we had to stand in a referendum and the people decided to keep this Chamber.I think we should be shown a little more respect. We will have a look at it over the summer to see if there is a way around it. I do not want answers now. Maybe the Committee on Procedure and Privileges can deal with it.

Having said my piece, I will move on to amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business, in the name of Senator Daly, "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1". I understand the Deputy Leader intends to accept this amendment.