Alex White (Labour)

It is important to have this discussion and I welcome the fact that the Green Party has facilitated it. However, we are just skimming on the surface of a much more profound set of problems. While I agree with the proposal, none of us should fool ourselves into thinking that if we introduce such a measure it would confront or deal with many of the fundamental problems and concerns we have with regard to corruption or the risk of corruption as we have seen in recent decades. I agree with some of the points made by Senator Ó Brolcháin in that regard.

In saying that this is an important discussion we should continue at some further stage, I express the usual slight scepticism or even cynicism over the terms of a motion asking us to welcome something and stating we should look forward to legislation. I am looking forward to many things, including my summer holidays and going home later on.