Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I agree with Senator Maurice Hayes about the role of Secretaries General and the heavy responsibility being placed on them in this area of the deliberative process. I do not accept, however, that this amending legislation is about simplicity of administration.

The Minister has pointed out that there can be a difference of opinion from one Department or Secretary General to another on when deliberations have concluded. When can we say the deliberative process on unemployment has concluded? It is a policy issue that is constantly brought to Government.