Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to give notice to the Leader that I intend to move an amendment to the Order of Business in respect of the Taoiseach coming to the House, particularly if he cannot provide some positive news on the date and time for such a visit.

Since this new Seanad began meeting, we have been listening to references to new politics. We have heard these in the Dáil as well. In every debate, people refer to new politics. As yet, however, no one has been able to provide a definition of new politics or explain the theory of the language that underlies it. I am reminded of the use of terms such as "going forward" in the past. Everything was going forward but nothing was ever delivered. The latter is something we remember from the period when Brian Cowen was the Taoiseach. The type of language to which I refer is now being used all the time. In light of new politics, we are not going to have a vote on the eighth amendment.In light of new politics, we will adjourn for a year a decision on the school admissions Bill. In light of new politics, we will delay bringing in legislation on workers' rights. The phrase "new politics" is starting to become a dirty one, because very little delivery is discernible and everything is kicked down the road. There is an onus on the Taoiseach to come into the House and explain exactly what he means by "new politics" or whether it is simply a gesture, with no theory or clear understanding as to exactly what he means by the term. I worry it is language without a plan. We heard the same thing in respect of the summer school, when he spoke about a referendum on unification, where it was words with no plan. Everybody is in favour of unification but a plan must be put in place. Everybody is in favour of new politics but one must understand what it is, what the theory is and how pragmatically new politics can be delivered to this House. Almost a month has passed since I requested that the Taoiseach come into the House. Unless the Leader has positive news today in this regard, I intend to table a motion to amend the Order of Business by calling the Taoiseach into the House today.