Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

Imagine what would have happened if successive Governments had stated this in respect of each of the 13 reports to which I refer. It would be a suspension of democracy and that is what is happening in this instance. The draft strategy is of no more weight and has no more substance than any of the reports on Seanad reform. The most recent report on Seanad reform was far more likely to be implemented because, when it was introduced it was the subject of cross-party approval in the House.

The draft strategy was brought forward by the Government and no other party has yet signed up to it because the process has not been properly completed. If a similar approach were taken in respect of the Seanad, there would be outrage because it would represent a suspension of democracy. The latter is exactly what is happening in respect of Údarás na Gaeltachta.