Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Seanad reform has been the subject of much debate over the years, principally from Fianna Fáil Leaders of the House in the Seanad, and nothing has happened. As the Taoiseach said in opening this debate, the correct approach is to start by asking whether we need a second House at all. That is what we are asking the people to decide. The contention that a second House is crucial to democracy is simply untrue. The Scandinavian countries do not have second Houses. Other small, successful countries, such as New Zealand, have shown that it is perfectly possible to operate with a unicameral Parliament. Most of the new nations in central and eastern Europe have also decided that they do not need a senate.

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