Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I am glad the matter to which Senator Walsh referred has been resolved by his statement here today.

I want to raise two issues on the Order of Business. The first concerns the social partnership talks which are commencing. They will take place at a challenging time for our country and economy and the outcome of them is important for each and everyone of us. The social partnership talks have always taken place outside the Oireachtas. I have said for a long time that it is extremely important that there should a link back from those talks to the Oireachtas. I hope that the next Minister for Finance will ensure there is a role for the Oireachtas in those ongoing talks. Admittedly, sensitive matters are discussed at them, but there is a role for the Houses of the Oireachtas to have their voices heard on such an important topic.