Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am glad he is taking on board the point the amendment seeks to address and I look forward to seeing what he brings forward. The absence of this kind of clause or reference in such legislation creates the space for decisions to be made in such a way that can either create a feeling of lack of involvement or trust between those making the decision and those who deal with the consequences. The way in which the decision is made will be weaker and of less quality if there is not some obligation on behalf of those making the decision to engage with those who will be affected by it.

There has been much talk, even this morning, about the need for national unity on matters of importance to the country. While I am glad to accept that this amendment does not concern an issue of national interest, there appears to be the appearance of national unity between the Opposition and elements on the Government side of the House on the need to change this approach. It is good to see that the Minister of State will respond to the matter. I will be particularly interested to hear what my colleagues, Senators O'Donovan and McCarthy, have to say on whether such an amendment would meet the needs they have identified and the issues they have talked about.