Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

In the medium term, I formally request if the correct procedure is by means of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to put in place a mechanism for a genuine debate in this important House of the Oireachtas on economic matters, presumably post-budget, where we will be in a position to debate with employers, employees, trade union leaders, farming groups and other organisations. This House could have a very important role in that type of dialogue. Gone must be the days of decisions being taken by an elite group behind closed doors. This House is an open forum for debate and it should be used progressively in that regard.