Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

In the Dáil yesterday the Taoiseach said he would come back to the Lower House when he had a policy and agreements with the social partners. That approach is reflected in the Seanad, but it is a reversal of what any good business would do. Before deciding on how to manage a business in a difficult economic environment, involving cutbacks, managers would discuss the matter with their team, including staff and trade unions. They would have a plan in place, having discussed it beforehand. I was amazed to hear the Taoiseach say he would not put policies or proposals before the Dáil or Seanad. It is in sharp contrast to what we see in the British and French parliaments or the American Congress. It is not surprising that new research has shown that confidence in Irish businesses is dropping more rapidly than in other countries and the reason is that the business sector has not seen the Government's plan. Business leaders do not see the Taoiseach coming forward with detailed ideas, direction and decisions for discussion here. The Taoiseach is bypassing public representatives in his approach to the current economic environment, which is completely unacceptable, as Deputies and Senators are elected and in touch with public concerns. They know the issues of concern that are affecting people in their daily lives. They include a woman I met in Clondalkin the other day who had spent four and a half days on a trolley in Tallaght Hospital awaiting a bed. Others are concerned about whether they can pay their bills and keep their jobs. It is extraordinary that we are not having detailed discussions in the House but are having a debate on the economy in such a vacuum. Will the Leader bring forward the framework document to ensure a detailed discussion in the House as well as with the social partners? We want social solidarity at this difficult time but why are the Houses being bypassed in such an arrogant manner, given the role democracy is meant to play in this country? The Taoiseach's statement yesterday was extraordinary. I have never witnessed such a bypassing of the Dáil and the Seanad. That is having a negative impact because the decisions should be made and shared in these Houses.

I return to a topic I raised yesterday regarding Pamela Izevbekhai. An all-party motion should be moved in the House in the near future. Perhaps the Leader will indicate whether the Government will support such a motion.