Seanad debates

Thursday, 31 January 2013

11:20 am

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with Senator Leyden's remarks. The allegation of corruption within the Garda is outrageous, unfounded and should be withdrawn.

This morning, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children signed off on the report in respect of the hearings on the proposed new legislation dealing with the X and the A, B and C v. Ireland cases. It just goes to show how work can be done. A total of 31 different groups or individuals made oral submissions at the three day hearing while a further 40 groups or individuals made written submissions. The Oireachtas Library and Research Service has now condensed these written and oral submissions into a report the joint committee was able to present to the Minister today.

One point the three day hearing showed pertained to disseminating information. I note Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of a change in policy in respect of Coillte. Perhaps it will be necessary to do what the joint committee did with those public hearings when a fundamental change in policy takes place. In cases in which a Department makes a change in respect of public policy, it might be an idea to hold such open hearings in order that various groups which have an interest could make a submission. This is one measure that should be done, rather than simply having a debate that is confined to Members in this House. People who have genuine concerns about a change in public policy should be allowed to come in and have their say regarding these concerns, after which Members can move forward on what is the best way for the country to adopt and change policy. This would be one way to do it.

Members should note that within a 20 day period, the joint committee had three days of public hearing and now has a report ready. I congratulate everyone involved, particularly the Oireachtas Library and Research Service, which has done so much work in recent weeks in compiling it and putting it together for joint committee members to present to the Minister today.

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