Does Deputy McManus have a point to make?
Business of Joint Committee
I propose that the joint committee write to the Government Whip to point out that there is nobody in attendance on the Government side. This meeting was properly convened and everybody was notified that it was taking place. It is unacceptable, therefore, that nobody on the Government side has turned up.
It is still the responsibility of the Government to ensure there is a quorum at every meeting, which should be pointed out to the Government Whip. I was very tempted last week to call a quorum just to make a point. I agree with the points made by Deputy McManus. It is unfair on everybody, including the staff, for the Government not to ensure there is a quorum. I am not just concerned about myself; others have been sitting here for the past 15 or 20 minutes. We talk about reform, but those who should be here are probably elsewhere talking about reform of the public sector.
There were six of us sitting around waiting today. I was due to attend another meeting in the Davenport Hotel, but it clashed with this one. I gave precedence to this meeting.
The meeting in the Davenport Hotel is taking place between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
I think it starts at 3 p.m. I was at a meeting of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge before I came here. Is it agreed we note the absence of Government members? Agreed.
As our guest speaker is waiting outside, instead of taking private business now, is it in order to ask her to come in, first, and then to take private business? Is that agreed? Agreed.