Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I wish to reinforce a number of points which have been made. I welcome the opening of discussions with the trade unions and I hope we will be able to divert the strikes of next Monday. This would show leadership.

We need to discuss third-level fees and how best to move forward on this matter. Many good suggestions are being made inside and outside this House. It would be great to have a brainstorming session on this matter. We may not get anywhere but this is what this Chamber should be about. We should thrash out issues and do what we can. We have received very bad press recently and it is up to us to fight the case that we are well able to conduct our business with knowledge and know-how and articulate those views very strongly.

There has been bad press with regard to a bail out in return for conditions with regard to the Lisbon treaty. This is not on the agenda. However, we should debate this matter in the House and incorporate a discussion on Seanad reform and how best we can move forward with regard to social partnership and bringing forward a new agenda for the Lisbon treaty and other issues. This is not a talk shop. Many of our views are taken up. I want all of us to echo this across the floor. Otherwise, we will be downgraded and this is not good enough for any of us.