Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

If I can make my points I will explain the reason a debate on these matters is vital. The Tánaiste commented that there would be a slow down in public spending in line with growth of the economy and he ominously referred to a further expansion of the private sector into the delivery of services currently delivered by the public sector. The last time we heard language like that was in respect of the health service when ideas such as the co-location of hospitals were introduced, which had various consequences and difficulties that were not thought about. The Tánaiste said he would wait on a report from the OECD on the future of public services here before he considers introducing those changes. When that report becomes available, I ask the Leader that it be properly debated in this House.

Similar reports, such as the Hanly report, led to significant changes in the delivery of public policy with which we are only beginning to cope. Will the debate focus on two points, namely, how to ensure that equality of opportunity for everyone, regardless of how much money he or she has, is not jeopardised by changes and that we are not swapping public for private monopolies, which is being done too often?