Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The amendment regarding this important issue has been moved by Fine Gael in both Houses. The Opposition and the Government recognise that something has to happen in the social partnership process to ensure not only that it is more representative but also that more life is brought into it. When I have listened to the debate over recent weeks, I have noted a sense of déjÀ vu. I have heard people making the argument, "If it does not happen, so what?" It is a great shame that people are taking such an approach. Very important matters are being discussed as part of this process. We need to have some ownership of it.

I do not believe the Opposition's job is to represent anyone at the social partnership talks. It is the job of the Government and the Taoiseach who were elected on the first day of the new Dáil to ensure they do their best in those talks. Nobody is suggesting that we want to be part of the talks, but we are suggesting that a framework should be set out, as part of the Government's agenda going in to those talks, under which everyone can express their views. Such a framework should involve a process whereby the views of Fine Gael and other parties, as well as Independent Members, can be reflected in public and in plenary session.

Our difficulty is that many key groups of people have been excluded from the current process to date. We do not have a sufficient starting point from which the Government can then reflect a position as it goes through the Houses. The Government's position regularly changes as matters go through both Houses when proper consultation takes place on all sides. That is a normal part of political life. We are suggesting that the Government's initial strategic objectives — what it wants to achieve during the talks — could change as a result of proper dialogue with all Members of the Oireachtas. Not only would that be of benefit to the Government, but it would also ensure that the views of both of these Houses would be represented. The views might well be in conflict, but at least there would be some debate on them. It is accepted on all sides that something has to give during this process.

Senator O'Toole referred to the work that was done by the Seanad reform committee. The Senator rightly pointed out that the Department of the Taoiseach did not object at the time to the committee's view that the Seanad needs to have a much more meaningful role in the scrutiny of the social partnership process. Am I right in saying that this Bill was first proposed in 2002?