Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Senator Quinn queried whether the introduction of the Labour Party Bill tomorrow night on gift vouchers, might not, perhaps, be too trivial. We would like to see the debate widened to include consumer issues in general, which is very relevant coming up to the Christmas period when many people will spend a great deal of money. It is very important that we highlight the whole issue of consumer rights.

Senator Quinn might recall that we tabled this Bill a few weeks ago, but gave way to allow a debate to be held on flooding, which was then a major problem. We are certainly happy to postpone tomorrow night's debate if the Leader can get the Minister for Finance into the Seanad to discuss the budget. We shall give way and have the debate on gift vouchers another night.

However, there is a fundamental point to be addressed on the relevance of this House and how trivial we are. I saw in The Irish Times this morning that of all the Private Members' Bills introduced in the Oireachtas since the foundation of the State, only about 40 were accepted by the Government, compared to several hundred in the UK over the same period. There is, therefore, an issue with how relevant the Government regards not just this House, but the Dáil, as regards Private Members' Bills. The Seanad can be more relevant if the Government would take on board some of the Bills that come forward. Tomorrow night's Bill on gift vouchers should not be contentious. It makes sense and protects the rights of consumers. I ask the Leader to find a way to allow his party to support the Bill tomorrow night.