Senator Paul Coghlan lauded the benefits of Culture Night and joined Senator Ned O'Sullivan in expressing condolences on the death of former Senator John Blennerhassett from Kerry. Senator O'Sullivan praised the contribution of Senators from that county over the decades.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson referred to an article in one of yesterday's newspapers. All I can say is that I am sure the figures cited are correct. I would suggest, however, that the voting figures in themselves do no not present a complete picture of Members' parliamentary contributions. The article takes no account, for example, of absences from the Chamber due to committee work, pairing arrangements, abstentions from votes or illness. I do not agree with the suggestion in the piece that Members simply do not bother turning up to vote. I hope that is not the case and that anybody who is missing has a legitimate reason. I also hope that the newspaper in question, in the interest of balance, will undertake a similar exercise in reference to the other House. It should be done, moreover, prior to the referendum on 4 October.

Hear, hear.

If pairing arrangements were discontinued no legislation would be passed. The Minister should be aware of that.