The rail-signalling inquiry resumed this week after a four-week suspension. While the subcommittee returned to familiar themes, the pace of the hearings was brisker than in earlier sessions.

But however serious the matter in hand, there was still time for the odd laugh.

The best gag came from Martin Brady TD. In a moment of jollity, he referred to one of his subcommittee colleagues as the "right honourable" Noel O'Flynn TD. No doubt this was the first time the Westminster form of address was used in Kildare House. The Margin hopes it was the last too!