Shane Ross (Independent)

Lawyers are another example. Any profession, including accountancy, which is allowed to self-regulate will abuse the customer and protect itself. This is a principle we should discuss. There are vested interests in this House which can be flushed out or which can offer something to the debate. It is an issue which should be discussed seriously. It is an ideal subject for the Seanad with its vocational panels. Members represent vested interests and can talk about self-regulation in their professions and vocations.

I welcome Senator Norris's call for a debate on the privatisation of Aer Lingus for which I have called on several occasions. Something has happened there which has made it far more relevant that we should have such a debate. Something strange happened yesterday, of which I am sure the Leader is aware. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport decided to hold hearings on the privatisation of Aer Lingus. I do not know how or why that will happen because it will be a long process. I thought the decision to privatise Aer Lingus had already been made. I understood the Taoiseach said a decision had been made and that the Cabinet had to make a final decision next week about how this was to be done. What is the point of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport holding hearings, which go on into the summer, if the decision has been made? Are we to believe this is a signal for a delay?