Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Buttimer's call for a debate on social partnership. It is correct and appropriate that union members and their executive officers will have an opportunity to understand, speak about and vote on the arrangement as quickly as possible. A clear fault in previous arrangements was that no role for the Oireachtas was provided for. It is remiss that many of the votes will take place before the matter is discussed in the Oireachtas. We should fix this as soon as possible after the recess.

I also seek a debate on the role of the Oireachtas in European affairs. It is vital that we debate the issue. I want to clarify comments made by Senator Leyden because Mr. Alan Dukes will be invited to address a committee chaired by a Fine Gael colleague. A discussion took place in private session at the committee yesterday on the relevance of inviting witnesses. It is right for such a discussion to take place in private, a move which was supported by all colleagues. Senator Leyden is happy to come here and misconstrue and misrepresent my comments. The only generous interpretation I can offer for his behaviour is that he is aware, more than most, of the disgraceful plundering which will affect the future welfare of the country undertaken following his party's decision on Anglo Irish Bank.