Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday in this House we had an exceptional show of unity on the proposed general strike. It was quite clear that the general good of the country superseded that of sectional interests. I, as with other Members this morning, welcome the regeneration of social partnership. It will be far more effective to have formal discussions than to depend on a microphone at the back a truck outside the House. We all know full well that a sense of realism is developing among the people as regards the crisis we face. I sense many sections of the media are demonstrating a sense of responsibility and we should build on this.

The Opposition makes a very good point when it seeks a more clearly defined, pivotal role in what is happening. Just because a particular model applied in the Oireachtas in the past does not mean it should continue to apply in the middle of a crisis. We should listen a little more closely to the speakers on the other side of the House to determine how this might be achieved. This problem will not go away in one to three weeks and people are setting parameters of four or five years. It does not mean we will not see progress within a 12-month period but we must batten down the hatches and accept that it will take four or five years to address the problem. If this is the case and based on what happened in this House yesterday, there are opportunities for offering the type of leadership that has been requested here in debates on a number of occasions.

This House has been subject to media scrutiny in recent times. I regard much of it as entertainment and as exceptionally peripheral. It is just because there is a vacuum at present. We should study closely the opportunities that are now being presented to the Seanad. We do not need constitutional change to have reform because we can achieve it ourselves and provide the leadership that is required. However, this will require courage and we must be non-partisan in this regard. We are being watched very closely by the people, particularly the most vulnerable, not only those who have lost jobs, which is traumatic in itself, but also those who fear they may lose theirs.

We need to send out a strong message that we are united in trying to find a solution to the problems that arise. We need to send the message beyond this island because it is still an attractive destination for investors. I am not referring only to the €100 million contract during St. Patrick's week. I know for a fact this is still a country that will attract investors. However, they will look very closely at what environment is being offered to them. We should not glibly pass over comments that may come from the Opposition here each day. We should try to see how we interact and how we can build on it.