Pádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and Senators for their contributions. The Minister has a very important meeting to attend so I will not delay him. We had a conversation earlier this week which helped to clarify many things for me, and I appreciate that. In particular, I appreciate the way in which he addressed the thinking behind the objectives and purpose of Bill. What I appreciate most, quite frankly, is the integrity with which he approached it and his genuine deep concern, which is shared by me and other Senators.

I have huge respect for the Seanad and all of its Members. In my short time in the House I have learned that all Members, across all political parties, are here for the right reasons. They are putting the people of Ireland first. The Minister is also very much in that space. I deeply appreciate the work, time and effort that various Senators and the Minister put into analysing, reviewing and assessing this Bill. I am delighted I brought it forward, although I will withdraw it at this point. It initiated a discussion and shone a light on an area that all of us consider to be very important. We believe in State and semi-State bodies. I was on the boards of three semi-State bodies. They are fantastic organisations with great people. If a number of companies operated with the professionalism with which those State bodies operate, we probably would have a far better industry structure in the commercial private sector in Ireland. I have seen incredible commitment from civil servants, leaders and teams involved in tourism and other areas.

I take huge exception to the term "quangos". They are not quangos. They are good State agencies with good people. However, as with everything else in life, we and the Minister agree that we must continually review our current position, where we are going and what we are doing. There must be an independent assessment of that. I accept that establishing another public body to do it is not the best option. That has been the uniform opinion of everybody here and I appreciate and respect that. I will withdraw the Bill. However, I have a suggestion for the Minister. If possible, perhaps the relevant line Minister could come to the House every six months to tell us the current position relating to the policy and strategy in their Department. It would be very helpful for the Members. I have come from the outside and seen a little of how the Seanad works. There is incredible talent and great passion here. The Seanad has a key and important role to play in Irish life, and long may it continue to do that. However, we must have the opportunity to engage as much as possible with the Minister and his colleagues, so they should come to the House twice a year to share their strategy with us. I appreciate a review of public bodies being carried out every five years. The Seanad should be engaged in that as much as possible in a supporting role.

I deeply appreciate the contributions of the Minister and all Members of the House. I withdraw the Bill.