Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

It is rare that we see a motion covering as many different areas as the motion before us. This may not be a great idea because it is very difficult for the sponsoring party to explain clearly why it is making all the various proposals. Equally, it is very difficult for the Government to reply adequately to such a large motion. In the few minutes allowed to me, I will be very restricted in what I can address.

The theme of the motion is very much of reform and change. We all agree that major changes are required in the way in which the House does its business to make it more relevant. Since I was elected, the system has been such that the Government generally proposes while the Opposition opposes. Instead, we should be able to build on what the parties have in common. We always seem to emphasise the issues that divide parties. There will always be differences of opinion; that is healthy. Opinions differ even within my party. It is healthy that people, rather than accept what is presented to them, question it on occasion. However, opposition for the sake of it is certainly not healthy. This must be changed.

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