Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I think we have all read the Bill. I followed with interest all of the sections the Minister of State highlighted. There is so much of what she referred to in the Bill. Not only is it mentioned throughout the Bill, but I acknowledge that the Minister of State has personally shown an interest in other forms of innovation such as social innovation, creative thinking and new ways of looking at the social problems we face together. I recognise this and acknowledge that the words to which she referred are positive. There is, however, a crucial concern. As I described, the ethos is the guiding principle of the institution. It is, therefore, a concern.

Senator David Norris has indicated that he may table further amendments on report Stage. I may do so also. The Minister of State may wish to table amendments too. I think the proposal and the idea of having a creative, innovative, entrepreneurial ethos as set out by my colleague are exciting and positive. Alternatively, if one wished to remove the word "ethos" from that particular, narrow context and talk simply about supporting entrepreneurship, that would be fine. The key concern is that having the word "ethos" in the section means that it would permeate and affect all other positive aspirations outlined by the Minister of State because we would then have to question if they would be subject to it as their driving character.I know that is not the Minister of State's intention, that that is not what the Bill is about and that the Minister of State has taken great care in many sections to address the matters of creativity, innovation and social inclusion. That is why we need to get it right. I am concerned that there seems to be an approach to try to get this rubber-stamped by the Seanad and that the Government is not able to take on board even the smallest and most constructive suggestions. That is not good practice. If it takes one more day to go back to Report Stage in the Dáil to agree constructive proposals that were put forward, that would be a good day's work because we would know that we were happy with what we put forward. I ask the Minister of State, having worked so hard on this Bill, not to compromise now on positive, constructive amendments which will make it a better legacy and better legislation. I ask the Minister of State to consider proposals of how that might be addressed. We will listen to amendments she puts forward on Report Stage.