Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Despite all the talk by the Government about partnership, the legislation was rushed through the House last week. Some 18 amendments were tabled by Fine Gael but not even the first one was reached that evening. I would like an assurance from the Leader that important legislation will not be rushed through in that manner without adequate time. It was really important legislation yet not even one Fine Gael amendment was reached or discussed. These amendments would have protected the taxpayer. If there was disorder — and people made their point of view clear about this — I think the Cathaoirleach can understand why we felt we had to make the point that this was no way to do business in the Seanad. It is not the way to get consensus, good legislation or to conduct our business. I make that point absolutely clear. I ask the Leader again to ensure that we are not asked to rush through important legislation without adequate consultation, preparation and time to consider Opposition amendments with a view to co-operating with the Government. There is a great deal of talk about partnership from the Government but we do not see it in action.

I oppose today's Order of Business because we are having a debate on the economy without adequate input from the Government. We are not discussing proposals or policy. We are having this debate in a vacuum and the least we should have is a question and answer session with the Minister on the details of policy and proposals which the Government should bring to the House. We have waited since the mini-budget last July and the budget in October, but we are still waiting now. There seems to be no clear plan from the Government for discussion on the floor of the House. We see the same thing happening with the partnership talks. On Friday, the social partners were meant to get detailed information on the Government's approach but it would appear as if it broke up in disarray with no discussion. It seems an extraordinary way to conduct the social partnership talks, as is the way it is being dealt with in the Seanad today. The very least we should have is a question and answer session on the economy and the Government's proposals and policies, as opposed to these statements. The public feels it is being dealt with in that way as well. The public is calling for leadership, asking for plans and seeking reassurance and hope that there is a plan in place from the Government. The very least we should have are some proposals and policies on the table from the Government to discuss here.

Will the Leader agree to an all-party motion regarding Pamela Izevbekhai who lost her case in the High Court earlier?