Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join in the expressions of goodwill to the Cathaoirleach, staff and Members and express my sincere condolences to our Clerk, Mr. Martin Groves. I was not present yesterday to do so. I thank the Clerk, Mr. Groves, the Clerk Assistant, Ms Bridget Doody, the staff and the ushers for their kindness during the year.

I listened to the contributions of Senators. I also attended the joint committee meeting referred to as a substitute for another member. I was shocked to hear a certain Deputy insinuate that Senators had no right to attend or vote. We were too shocked to comment on the spot. The matterh should be taken up at whatever forum the Cathaoirleach or the Leader considers appropriate. I regard it as a serious attitude for a Deputy to express that in some way we are an inferior species here and that the Constitution and Seanad stand for nothing.