Joe O'Toole (Independent)

In my 16 years here I have not seen a Bill break new ground in terms of early consultation like this one. I would welcome an assurance from other Members of the House who have experience of this in both this and the other House. This Bill was published in draft form. The heads of the Bill were published and circulated to every group with an interest in it. It has been on the website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for more than seven or eight months against the advice of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the will of many members of the Government. Prior to that, every regulatory authority in the country was asked for its views on the issues involved before drafting began and both during and after drafting. It was done on the basis of European regulations. This may not allay the fears of Senator Quinn but it is the first time I have seen the draft heads of a Bill made available prior to the deliberations of the Cabinet. It was an example of openness and transparency which I have not seen in any Department in my 16 years as a Member of this House.