Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank all the Members who contributed to this worthwhile and thoughtful debate. They expressed different points of view honestly and sincerely. I did not unilaterally adopt a position on behalf of Ireland. When this issue arose, I consulted the Minister for Health and Children in the first instance. The question was raised regarding whether this issue is more appropriate to the Department of Health and Children. However, the research budget is under the remit of the competitiveness Council and during the life of the previous Government, my colleague, Deputy Treacy, dealt with the research agenda. Following the general election, I took on the research agenda, which comes under the remit of the competitiveness council.

Economics, trade and business do not come before ethical, health and quality of life issues. As somebody who likes to see the country progress, I am depressed by much of the so-called progress we have witnessed in recent years. Recently in Limerick my former colleague, Des O'Malley, asked how is it the Limerick of Angela's Ashes had virtually no crime while the Limerick of the Celtic tiger has so much crime. That says a great deal. Much has happened in Ireland and the European Union that I wish did not happen and I would love to turn the clock back. I refer to the spirit of volunteerism and being good neighbours. People lead busy lives and, for example, they are stuck in traffic every day. That has changed the way people operate and, therefore, all progress is not necessarily good. I would be the first to articulate that, notwithstanding my political philosophy.

Fine Gael is making an issue of the process and procedure. The procedure outlined by Senators Brian Hayes, Terry and Coghlan applies to regulations under Article 161. This is not such a proposal and there is no requirement to refer it for scrutiny. If there was, I would be first person to do so. I enjoy debate and I want to engage in debate about this and other issues. I have attended more meetings of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business than any of my predecessors. I am in politics because I genuinely want to debate ideas and issues. Politics is about ideas, perspectives and issues. I also believe that any Government Minister, let alone a leader of a political party, who does not listen and engage with people on this and other issues would be very foolish indeed.