Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Acting Chairman for his co-operation.

I welcome Senator O'Toole's participation in the debate on amendment No. 1 because he has been involved in the social partnership process for many years. I value his contribution and the contributions of others to this discussion. I have listened to the comments which have been made.

As I said earlier, I am keen to examine the proposals for Dáil and Seanad reform. Senators have mentioned the efforts they have made to try to make progress in the area of scrutiny, for example. I am prepared to consider such suggestions in the context of the Dáil reform programme I have been pursuing. Some very good scrutiny is taking place in many Oireachtas committees. I am undertaking some reforms involving public consultation on the Internet in the context of forthcoming legislation like the broadcasting Bill, which will be before the Houses soon.

I am keen to give every member of the public, rather than just the Members of these Houses, a chance to make an input into legislation. I hope to facilitate the use of modern technology to allow people to comment on the heads of Bills as they are proposed. That is something I am very keen to pursue. The point that we need to examine this entire area in an organised way is well made. I suggest that we should do it through a different forum.

I am holding firm in my position on this amendment. It is the duty of Governments to govern. Senator O'Toole asked whether it would necessarily suit the Opposition to be internally involved in important matters of this nature. I have heard members of Fine Gael arguing against social partnership in the past. They have made the point that it is too inclusive and that there is a need for a healthy alternative view.