Shane Ross (Independent)

I support with enthusiasm Senator Ryan's call for a debate on stem cell research. It is an important issue and one on which the Seanad could take a lead. There is division on it among all political parties which makes it more interesting.

I would also like to respond to Senator Maurice Hayes's suggestion that we have a debate on public sector management. The term is a bit of an oxymoron to be honest but I would like us to debate the subject matter to which he refers. The problem, put succinctly, is that the culture in the public service is to say why things cannot be done. My experience is that when one asks for something to be done the immediate reaction, because of the manner in which civil servants are trained, is to give the reason it cannot be done. It would be useful if the House debated the issue.

I would like to draw a specific instance to the attention of the House. One of the greatest problems I find in this House, and it is a direct and delicate public service matter also, concerns the computer system. It does not work properly. Anybody who tries to get their e-mail system working at weekends is obstructed by the Office of Public Works, the IT unit or any other area of the House approached. It is almost impossible for the system to work. When one asks questions about it, the matter will be passed from Billy to Jack but nobody will take responsibility and nobody is interested. A debate which would change the mindset of the public service and make the private sector more sympathetic to its difficulties would be useful. The issue has not been tackled to date.