Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Will the Taoiseach not accept that there is a fundamental difference between a negotiated programme for Government with other parties and the arrangements that are in place with Independent Deputies? The programme for Government is an open transparent document that the public and all parties have the opportunity to peruse, address and criticise as required. The other arrangement is something that is under the counter and nobody has the opportunity to shed any light on it.

I am sure the Taoiseach is aware that there is no argument against Independent Deputies supporting and being part of the formulation of a programme for Government. A critical point, however, will he not accept, is that this is above board, on top of the table and is open and transparent for all to see? Will he not accept, too, that there is a real question here as regards the appropriateness of such arrangements, where the advantage is understood to be cast in the direction of specific constituencies as against the wider interest, which a programme for Government is intended to address, not only on a regional or local but on a national basis? The absence of detail affords these Independent Deputies the opportunity to put their flag on the pole in regard to all matters pertaining to development, infrastructural progress, etc., within their respective constituencies.

I noted in the course of Deputy Kenny's opening remarks the Ceann Comhairle's clear understanding of all that was being addressed in the course of these questions, particularly because of the situation pertaining to an Independent Deputy within his constituency. Can the Taoiseach not accept that the correct procedure for the future is that these matters are part of a negotiated programme for Government, to be conducted in the context of something that will be published and that he will undertake to put an end to what is ultimately the reduction of the democratic process to a lottery system on the basis that an Independent Deputy will have the chance to pursue particular interests and causes, if the figures turn up to his or her advantage?

I am asking the Taoiseach whether he accepts that this is a good time to put down a marker for best practice with regard to appropriately addressing these matters into the future, and to be specific. I know from what Deputy Finian McGrath, beside me, has indicated in the past that he was not parochial in all the matters he sought in terms of his specific engagement with the emerging Government in 2007.

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