Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

—before a Bill is published or after the heads of a Bill have been published. It was proposed that any group that could be affected by legislation should be entitled to come to this Chamber to give Senators their considered views in advance of Second Stage. The suggestion that has been made by Senator Tuffy and her colleagues is a better one, however, because it allows for a bottom-up approach to be taken when suggestions about public policy are being received. I think we need to move towards such an approach.

The principle of petitioning is established in the Seanad. As I understand it, Private Bills can be initiated and sponsored by institutions or individuals outside the House. For example, the House considered the Trinity College Dublin (Charters and Letters Patent Amendment) Bill 1997, which was sponsored by that institution, some years ago. Private Bills can be proposed on the floor of the House. I understand that under existing Standing Orders, amendments to Private Bills can be proposed by people who are not even Members of the House. As I understand it, if one has a solicitor or a barrister positing one's amendment, that amendment can be tabled. Senator Ryan has more knowledge and experience of this area than I have.