M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. At the outset I join with some previous speakers in commending Deputy Rabbitte and the Labour Party for bringing it forward. Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, I am unable to support it but the purpose of the Bill is welcome. I would like to see a change in procedures that would allow more Bills from the Opposition with the support of the Government and the backup that the Government can provide. Just because a party is in Opposition does not mean everything it brings forward is incorrect or wrong.

The main purpose of the Bill is to address the legal shortcomings arising from the findings of the Supreme Court in the Abbeylara case as it related to the Oireachtas sub-committee of inquiry. To an extent, it focuses on shortcomings in the legislation relating to Oireachtas committees. I put on record the positive attitude of Deputy Ardagh and what that sub-committee endeavoured to achieve at the time.

The role of Oireachtas committees in general has been very positive. It is a role which we should encourage and we should put legislation in train to ensure that such committees become more effective. We have much expertise in the House that could be put to better use, as there are energetic Members who would bring much wise counsel to committee meetings. Although the Government benches have Ministers and Ministers of State, there is much expertise that is untapped within the House which could be better used.

Some very positive work has been done in Oireachtas committees. As a member of a committee dealing with small business issues in the last Dáil, I know that committee considered insurance. There was much bad practice in that area, with many business problems arising from the high cost of insurance. Under the chairmanship of former Deputy Donie Cassidy, the committee did much positive work by bringing in insurance companies and vested interests to find out where the problems were. In doing so we were able to identify and report on issues. During the life of that committee we saw significant savings in the insurance area.

Many other committees are also doing very fine work. I have seen legislation on Committee Stage in plenary session in the Dáil, and there is a far more in-depth consideration when legislation is put to committees and is debated therein. Committees are obliged to produce reports and they are a forum for organisations and individuals who would not be able to make a presentation to the Dáil or Seanad in plenary session. Such people or groups are able to come to the Legislature, make their cases and be heard and questioned about aspects of interest by using the committee system, which is positive.

I accept there are shortcomings but the Government has legal advice from the Attorney General outlining various concerns about the legislation before us. It is a start nonetheless and the Government should consider it seriously. The identified shortcomings should be amended and the Government should come forward with the necessary amendments. It is a good start and we should progress on that basis.

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