Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank Senators for their compliments and join them in complimenting the backup staff the Department has provided for me in respect of the Bill. Subject to the agreement of the Whips, I will soon introduce Committee Stage of the qualifications legislation, that is, a Bill to merge the three qualifications bodies in one entity. There was a delay in finalising amendments to the Bill because we are proposing to recognise, on a new basis, the National University of Ireland, with a redefined role for the future. I have sent to the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education the heads of a Bill to transform the local education and training boards, otherwise known as vocational education committees. I have found this process of consultation very helpful.

I have been a Member of the Oireachtas for much longer than I have been a member of Cabinet in any Government and my primary loyalty lies with the Oireachtas. The Houses have a role to play in the deliberative consideration of legislation and in teasing out the meaning of the sections and subsections of Bills. The process of scrutiny by the Houses and the public manner in which we do our business, with the Fourth Estate and anyone else able to observe us, is an integral part of our democracy and one I intend to uphold in the legislation I bring before the Houses in future. I thank the Seanad for its co-operation.

Question put and agreed to.