Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Committee Stage debates in the Seanad are very important. This is clearly a very important Bill which establishes a vital Department for the provision of the key reforms we need to deliver better governance in this State following the disastrous mess made by the last Government. However, we should not abuse Committee Stage. I look forward to discussing some of the amendments, particularly those from Senator Barrett, and I hope we will get to them. However, some of the proposals involve a degree of repetition. In regard to amendment No. 8a, the Minister has already taken commendable action in terms of combating high rates of public sector pay.