Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We have had four years to get this right. One deal has been concluded in that time and it is hoped that another deal is about to be concluded. We have had four years to change, but nothing has happened. There is frustration in Fine Gael that the necessary re-engineering of the parliamentary scrutiny and accountability process is not taking place in this Bill, even though the Government has had four years in which to do it. We feel strongly that our position offers at least one way of doing that.

It is fine if there are other views — we should hear them. People should put their amendments on the table so that we can see the colour of their money. Fine Gael's proposal, which will not cost the Government anything, will allow the Houses to be involved at the start of the process. It would be foolish to suggest that the Houses should ultimately sanction any social partnership deal, it would be ridiculous to get involved after the horse has bolted. We need to be involved at the start of the process, rather than at the end of it.