Joe O'Toole (Independent)

That Bill took away the rights of people in the Gaeltacht to have a say in the name of their own place, a right enjoyed by everybody outside the Gaeltacht. This is not the place to argue the rights and wrong of that case but it is a good example of the issue we are discussing. It would have been useful in this case if we had known, through a process of consultation before this legislation was enacted, what its impact might be, how any issues might be dealt with and, later on, how it was working and how it might or should be changed. Other Members have given different legislative examples.

Although it is cumbersome, I have seen how well the consultative process works in the New Zealand Parliament. At a time when there is such a lack of respect for the political world, we must encourage people to engage in the work we do and we must be seen to be listening and taking on board their views. People understand when they cannot get their way and when others disagree with them. Allowing interested persons to engage in such a consultative process is akin to giving them a day in court. People want to make their case, engage in argumentation and discussions, and listen to and make proposals. Such a process can be only valuable.

Perhaps a way of getting this off the ground would be to choose some legislation that will come through the House in the near future and agree to a process of consultation with interest groups with clearly defined agendas, as opposed to lobbyists. These groups could be invited to the House to talk to us on Second Stage or we can agree to go to them. I am aware there is an issue in this regard because Members of this House do not sit on select committees. There is nothing to stop us, however, from forming a select committee to deal with one Bill, or we could set up a joint select committee to try out this. I ask the Minister to keep in mind such a scheme as a way of testing this process. It would cost us nothing, pose no risks and would be well worthwhile.