Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The progressive wing of the Government is upset by this but, unfortunately, that is where matters stand. We have not had an assessment of how well or badly the Act is working. In the main it is working very well. However, issues need and can be addressed. The contents of the Bill have taken everyone by surprise. There has been no consultation with those who use the legislation, including the NUJ, Senator Ross's union. I know my right wing colleague is upset by the idea of access to the workings of the Establishment but this must take place. Consultation is an essential part of any review which has not taken place. I will save my comments on the Bill until we debate it. I am simply giving the reasons I am supporting Senator Brian Hayes's proposal which the Government should consider.

Last week I raised the question of having a debate on public private partnerships. I said unidentifiable forces were at work to upscuttle their proper workings. Such partnerships allow the State to get support from the private sector to give better public service in a way that is attractive to all. One of the reasons given for objecting to PPPs is that EUROSTAT maintains public private partnerships impact on the Government's bottom line. In a recent statement Mr. Pat Cox made it clear that this was not the case.