Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I propose that the Bill be reviewed and that its best pieces be incorporated into the Government's Bill. Perhaps, just as an asterisk denotes a Government amendment to a Bill, a square box might be used to denote a recommendation made by Senator Sean D. Barrett which the Government is prepared to accept. This would be an indication that the Seanad works. There is expertise in this House which should not be ignored in the way the Government ignores legislation introduced by individual Members. I propose that the Bill be allowed to remain on the Order Paper as a mechanism to assist the Government.

I was a little surprised to hear Sinn Féin was not supporting the Bill. However, I note it has not brought forward a reasoned alternative, other than to ask from where the money will come from. This is pseudo-economic science. Money must be available in ATMs and people must be able to pay their bills. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has not suggested an alternative.