Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

They asked me, politely.

I do not have much time and want to concentrate on two issues, one of which is one of the few matters I very much welcome in the programme for Government. I very much respect the fact that the Minister, Deputy Shatter, is present. He has done a great deal of work on the children's rights referendum, which I am glad to see mentioned in the programme for Government and want to see happen. There are many other political reforms that I also want to see take place.

Like other Senators, I welcome the reference to the investment bank which is absolutely necessary. I have spoken on the issue on many occasions. I note that the new Government is keeping NAMA. It is no surprise in a way but disappointing considering the various statements made about it in this and the other House.

Fine Gael's jobs strategy was to create 100,000 new jobs under the NewERA document. I note that job creation is the key issue in the programme for Government, rightly so, but why is there a Minister of State to oversee the creation of 100,000 new jobs? The Minister is correct that new jobs can be created in the next few years.

It appears from the way the document has been written that the Government does not rule out the possibility of nuclear power being one of our energy sources in the future. I ask the Minister to clarify the matter. When he speaks about new technologies in the energy sector, is nuclear power included? Fine Gael's NewERA document certainly skirts around the issue. It speaks only of water services, forestry and wind energy, in respect of which significant progress is to be made. However, radical reform is needed.

I certainly want to see the Seanad being retained. Any candidate in the forthcoming election should nail his or her colours to the mast. If he or she wants to get rid of the Seanad, why is he or she standing for election? The Seanad is an important oversight body.

I note that in the programme for Government there are approximately 14 references to Oireachtas as opposed to Dáil committees. How will this happen if there are to be no Senators? There are two references to Senators in relation to European Union documents, etc. How will this happen if there are to be no Senators if the Government is to abolish the Seanad? It will not be possible to implement the programme for Government if the Seanad is abolished.

I very much welcome the references to cloud computing, given that social welfare and Revenue services are not linked. IT is the key in achieving political reform of the Oireachtas, the Government and the public service. I, therefore, encourage the Government to make IT a key issue in introducing reform.