Shane Ross (Independent)

Senator O'Toole is correct in identifying IBEC as the culprit. Two elements of what is going on in Government Buildings are disturbing. First, the two main parties — the employers and the unions — supposedly represent business and employees. However, IBEC represents big, fat cats in business and the trade unions represent only one third of the workforce. Their representatives are making decisions for the nation while we look on as political eunuchs. That is not acceptable and the House should debate the matter.

The second element should be prominent in the debate. This is not only a pay deal. It has emerged in the past few days that all sides are seeking what they call a "ten-year plan", which has nothing to do with a pay deal. It means this House and the Dáil will be bound to a policy for the next ten years that will make both Houses less relevant. We will then have no need to talk about the electoral register because we will not have much to do.