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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Ministerial attendance and debates

Summary

The Leader criticises Senators who demand ministerial appearances but do not attend, and points to forthcoming opportunities to raise banking, financial and economic issues, alongside education matters.

Ministers are being requested to come into this House and when they come only a handful of Members are in the Chamber. The Members who have called for the Ministers to come into the House are not in the House when they come. It is not acceptable. If we want this House to work properly, we will all have to work together and live up to our responsibilities and be here to ask the questions and challenge the Minister rather than mention the matter on the Order of Business and walk out of the Chamber after it.

Comment on this

On the matter raised, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be in the House this afternoon. We will also have statements on the economy next week with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, in attendance, and the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will be in the House to deal with the Fiscal Responsibility Bill. There will be ample opportunity to raise questions on banking and other financial matters, which many Members have raised.

Several Members spoke about the strength and quality of the education system and the report on retention rates in Irish schools, which is definitely to be welcomed.

Senator Mooney rightly commented on the 94th anniversary of the First World War. It is only right and proper that the Irish people who fought in it should be acknowledged and commemorated. I agree totally with the Senator on that issue.

I believe I have covered most of the items raised.

Comment on this