In a break with tradition and custom that was exercised by those on the other side when they occupied these benches-----

----- we will not be seeking an extension of this session. We will not be complaining about the length of the Dáil session. However, on a serious point I hope in the course of the next session we have an opportunity to discuss real Dáil reform. It is not about the length of time we sit, but about the way in which we order our business.

We want more time in the bright evenings.

The way we do our business in this House needs to be reformed. While I will not make an overly political point, it is unfortunate we are dealing with so many items on the last day.

A Cheann Comhairle-----

I would argue we should take a summer break of approximately four weeks, but the other four weeks should be dispersed over the year-----

Deputy Dooley should be careful of what he wishes for.

Is this Deputy Dooley's contribution on the Order of Business?

Sorry, Deputy-----

-----so that we do not have this glut at the end of it.

Is the Deputy raising something on the Order of Business?

I am. I am raising Dáil reform.

Dáil reform.

Is this on the Order of Business?

In the reform of the Dáil procedures we should reduce the big block of time in summer-----

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl, the man sitting behind Deputy Dooley, is very good at that.

-----and share that time throughout the year in a way that allows us to do our work effectively.

The Deputy should leave it to the experts.

The Deputy has made his point at this stage.

It would also allow the staff of the House to do their work more effectively.

A Cheann Comhairle, is this Deputy Dooley's contribution on the Order of Business?

It would stop this sham throughout the year.

The Deputy has made his point.

What is Deputy Dooley like?

In the lifetime of this Government we have made a number of very significant changes to the way in which the Dáil operates, for example, the amount of time that is spent, the introduction of ways in which Members of the House can introduce legislation, the operation of committees and the legislation the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, has recently introduced to provide for parliamentary inquiries. We have more to do in reforming the House, but it is not just about the procedures, the formal rules and so on. It is also about the way in which Members use the House.

There is a responsibility on every elected Member of Dáil Éireann to make the best possible use of Dáil time, Dáil procedures, committees and so on to raise the issues that matter to people to make the House much more relevant to the lives of people outside the House. That is a responsibility that we all share. Discussion on Dáil reform is an issue to which we can return and I would be very happy to do so after the break.

I call Deputy McDonald.

I am not going to-----

Thank you.

Is this my opportunity to speak on matters on the Order of Business?

On the Order of Business.

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought this was just a random thing between two guys in the Chamber.

The Deputy should join in.

That is okay. I take back my feelings of utter frustration as I listened to the lads.

Thank you Deputy.