Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

In the Leader's absence last Thursday, I raised a matter that has been raised again by Senator Marc MacSharry today and Senator Jerry Buttimer yesterday. It runs along the lines suggested by Senator Joe O'Toole that we would use in the immediate future this House as a forum for a genuine economic debate and presentation, where social partners and people concerned with the economic development of this country could make a presentation and engage in dialogue with us. They would bring forward their ideas, listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussion.

If we want this very important House of the Oireachtas to be relevant, we must deal with subjects of concern to the people. No subject is more important or urgent than the immediate economic crisis facing the country. We have discussions almost daily on the subject, especially on the Order of Business, but we must move beyond talking to ourselves. We must engage with and listen to the people concerned who may have different analyses but each in their own way has a worthy contribution.

We must bring these people together and the Chamber of Seanad Éireann, in whatever form can be determined, is an ideal vehicle for economic debate. It is an urgent matter and I asked for the debate to be put in place last Thursday. There is little point in having such a discussion next January. It is a bit of a challenge for the Leader but I know he respects the House and recognises the role that can be played by the House in turning this country around. Within the next fortnight we must use this House to engage in immediate, urgent and expansive dialogue on the economic choices facing the country. I look forward to the Leader taking the initiative and making this House relevant.