Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Senator Fitzgerald raised crucial points, including the need to engage on issues, a matter I raised on the Order of Business yesterday. The Seanad has refused to become topical because the Leader has failed to arrange debates on issues such as education when requested to do so.

While I concur with the point made about the lack of discussion and engagement with this House, this should not be interpreted by Senators, as some did yesterday, as being in some way in favour of excluding the social partners. Senator Fitzgerald made a good point when she noted that while it is fine for the Minister to meet the social partners, he should also come before the House. That is the real issue. To those who argue this is the end of social partnership, I say there has never been a greater need for the Government to engage with civic society.