Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Why has the Sinn Féin Whip not been included in the engagement the Minister has just explained is confined to Fianna Fáil, representing the Government, with the Fine Gael and Labour parties? Why is the only other Opposition party in the House excluded from these preliminary discussions? We have a view to offer on essential reform and experience here, over a decade in my case. Will the Minister explain why these informal talks have not included Sinn Féin and what he is prepared to do to address this deficiency and this further indication of an undemocratic practice, namely the exclusion of one party while others engage in preliminary discussions that will impact on each of us?

When will the Green Paper on local government reform that was promised in the programme for Government be published? Will the Minister rule out the proposal signalled to move the Seanad Chamber and business to the Natural History Museum, with a likelihood of conducting its business there for 12 months or more? This would delay the essential refurbishment works to that important building and its artifacts and exhibits, which we believe is very important and must be restored speedily. Why should there be a delay in bringing the Natural History Museum back into service in order to accommodate an itinerant Seanad Chamber? Surely some other location within a reasonable radius of this building can be found to accommodate the Seanad's needs in the short term.

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