Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I wish to clarify a point I made yesterday about statutory instruments, ministerial orders and papers before the House being placed on the websites. Statutory instruments are already published on the website of the Office of the Attorney General but ministerial orders and papers laid before the House are not and there is a case for their being made equally accessible. It is also an unnecessary burden on Library staff to have to provide these in non-electronic form.

I do not have any party allegiance on the issue raised by Senator Hayes. I agree with many Government Members who will be voting the other way on this Bill. However, there is a constitutional issue and it should be sorted out. The approach seems to be similar to that which was taken to the rod licence when the Government rushed into it and tried to meet all the parties and cobble something together. It seems like rushed legislation. More time should be given to it as it will cause problems and probably face a constitutional challenge.

Senator Minihan has raised the issue of the Cork School of Music on a number of occasions in recent months. It has wider implications for the development of public private partnerships – it is a vote of no confidence in the system. This will be a vital cog in the building of bridges, roads, schools and hospitals. This is the only country in western Europe where there is agreement among the social partners on a way of approaching PPPs that addresses everybody's needs, responsibilities and rights. The Minister for Finance should come to the House to answer the questions raised by Senator Minihan and others in other fora. He must tell us what the Government is doing in this regard. Every time an Adjournment matter is tabled regarding the provision of a new school etc., the bad handling taking place could impact negatively upon these matters. I would like a full debate on the issue with the Minister. While I know he is fully supportive of the PPP initiative, there seem to be officials in his Department who take a different view.