Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am interested in what is going to happen. The presentation referred to the partnership approach and the need for co-operation among various stakeholders. How will that happen? There is clearly a need for urgency, which has been expressed, yet we know that when stakeholders are referred to, things are going to take a long time. With the best will in the world and even if every stakeholder is equally interested and matched in terms of enthusiasm, it takes a long time. Clearly, there will be differences of opinions among stakeholders about how this will go on. The presentation referred to the fact that the conversation has already started. I would appreciate hearing a bit more about what that means and where the process is heading.

I would like to know a bit more about the assertion that this is a real opportunity for self-regulation. Self-regulation has not worked terribly well in certain other areas. What is supporting that contention? I understand the principle of self-regulation and the fact that it is often appropriate. I am not so sure that it is here and I wonder what has brought the Department to believe it is appropriate in this context. Is it a view shared by both relevant Departments? Have the Departments discussed the matter?