Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I accept that the Leader of the House could not have been aware of the level of amendment of the Arts Bill. The fact that it was amended to such a great extent in the Dáil meant that it came to this House in a form satisfactory to us. The level of debate in the Dáil meant that we were quite happy with the Bill. The Leader of the House wanted to provide sufficient time for discussion of it and could not have anticipated what was to happen.

The additional time available to the House provides a good opportunity to debate a number of issues raised by Senators such as planning. I ask the Leader to consider allocating time for a discussion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform's proposals for changing the way in which tribunals are run, although I do not think it will be possible to do so today. The Minister has suggested that there could be private hearings, following which an eminent judge would deliver a conclusion. The proposals have been made in the light of the fact that certain tribunals, particularly the Flood tribunal, have been in progress for so long. It would be useful for the House to have a general discussion on the principle of how we examine issues of major public concern. It is clear that the tribunals as currently constituted are causing problems in certain respects. This House has always been afforded the opportunity to discuss the reports of various tribunals and it is important that we discuss the principles of any new legal framework before it is brought before us. The Minister should come to the House to set out his thoughts on the matter beforehand.

The rights of persons with disabilities is another issue that could be discussed this afternoon, particularly in the light of the proposal in recent days for the appointment of an ombudsman for people with disabilities. We should consider whether such an appointment would represent the proper framework for progress. This is another area that could be discussed this afternoon or at another time.