Derek McDowell (Labour)

I hope that idea has not been dropped. Deputy Cullen, when he had responsibility for the Office of Public Works, was enthusiastic about it. It would open things up and create two fine public spaces which would enhance Leinster House and the adjoining streets. I urge the Minister to revisit that idea and bring it into play.

This is largely an enabling Bill. It allows us the possibility to transform the way we do things. There are some things we do quite well, some we do pretty poorly and some we do not do at all. Passing this legislation will not change all of that, but it will give us an increased capacity to deal with problems regarding the way the place operates and in respect of the services provided. It will also allow us to deal with the parliamentary procedures we follow. That bears some scrutiny and it is something we should not shirk from doing.

This is a positive Bill and I look forward to contributing further on Committee Stage.