Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

In the previous Seanad we had a number of rolling debates on the Croke Park agreement. They were very useful as they allowed us to debate the various options. We must acknowledge that our former colleague, the then Senator Joe O'Toole, was a strong advocate of the Croke Park agreement. When we articulated our doubts, he assured us the agreement could work and would be helpful in redressing some of the economic difficulties. I welcome yesterday's announcements on the moneys saved. However, one has to pose the awkward and difficult question that if we had taken such an approach five or six years ago, how much of the public finances would we have saved, leaving us in a better position today? We need to revert to a debate on the broad issues of the Croke Park agreement and public sector in general. I think the new Department, which the Minister, Deputy Brendan Howlin leads is not yet up and running, but once the legislation establishing it has been passed, it would be helpful if the Minister could come to the Seanad.

The second item I wish to raise is the ABC case, which was raised by Senators Bacik and Mullen. During the election campaign, I was questioned on my position on the matter and the commitment I gave on that occasion is that I advocated the setting up of an all party committee to examine and act upon the situation. I appreciate that an expert group has a role to play in advising and assisting us but, at the end of the day, the issue must be led politically rather than by so-called experts. We all know that one will get an expert to tell one what one wants to hear. I think we need to reflect on the fact that an all-party Oireachtas committee is the best vehicle to make the final decisions. Of course, we will be willing to take on board the advice of an expert group or experts or people from all strata of society. Let us not decide that this issue should be adjudicated on by anyone expect politicians. We are supposed to be the leaders and we must take leadership decisions on this matter.