Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Many of the issues we have discussed over the past two years about the House can be brought together in the debate on Seanad reform and it is crucially important that people express their views at this time.

There is another issue I would like the Leader to consider. We have talked before about consultation and last night when we discussed services for people with disabilities I raised the issue. Prior to the Second Stage debate on the Disability Bill we should give ourselves enough time for formal consultation with interest groups to enable Members on both sides of the House to hear what is happening in this area. The Government consulted these people at length and the legislation grew out of that process. It would be useful to ask them what they think of the legislation and what issues arise from it. This would inform both sides of the House, regardless of party affiliations. It need not happen in the Chamber but we should set up a formal meeting to hear these people's views and Members can then decide whether to take them on board.

Yesterday on the Order of Business Senator Ulick Burke raised a question about public private partnerships, citing significant figures from the Comptroller and Auditor General's report. These must be of concern to everybody. I am completely committed to the concept of public private partnerships and fought hard to get the trade union movement to support them. This is completely different in Ireland from anywhere else in Europe.

Later in the debate Senator Scanlon spoke about the satisfaction of clients with these partnerships, namely, schools, parents, teachers and so on. This issue deserves consideration. If the scheme runs over budget but provides a good service does the Comptroller and Auditor General take account of the fact that schools are built two years earlier than projected, that there is no cost for maintenance for 20 years and that the level of support is better than ever before? Does he quantify these factors? If not, Senator Ulick Burke's comments are crucial and we need assurance that we are getting value for money although that does not detract from the importance of the principle of public private partnerships. I have raised this matter with the Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service and he has agreed to put it on the committee's agenda. It is important that people contribute to that discussion.

During the debate on the Aer Lingus Act 2004 there was much discussion of its impact on the public. A number of speakers on the Government side referred to the position of the chief executive, Ms Margaret Sweeney. I do not know this woman and I have no brief on her behalf. However, there are serious questions to be asked. We legislated for this matter and, from what I can see, Ms Sweeney is doing an excellent job and has stood up to people, where necessary. What is the Government's position on this issue? I would like a clear indication on how we reached the current position where the recently appointed chief executive of a State company does not know where she stands. By common consent, this woman is doing a very good job and has shown extraordinary courage in standing up to some of the bullies in the industry, with some of whom the Leader will be familiar.