Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Will the Leader ask the Government to clarify the position of asylum seekers in relation to the social partnership talks, which appear to be in some difficulty? Are asylum seekers to be excluded from the ambit of social partnership? If so, we should be very concerned. We in this House should have a chance to give our views on the matter.

Last week I asked the Leader about the strategic rail review and its publication and she was very helpful in her response. In the last few days many reports have appeared relating to the Booz Allen Hamilton report, which was presented to a sub-committee of the Cabinet last week. The only information that appears to be available to us is from media reports, an approach of which I do not approve. It is time for the Minister for Transport to come to the House and set out clearly not only the elements of the report but also his response to it. Many communities, including those in my area, are anxiously awaiting clarification of what the Government intends to do about the issue.

Concerns have been raised about the Freedom of Information Act 1997, specifically the provision ensuring Cabinet documents are available to the public after five years. This is a matter for discussion at Government level. Given that this provision should come into operation on 21 April, it is important that the Taoiseach states clearly whether he intends to roll back this important and central provision of the Act.