Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach and I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the Bill, which has already been the subject of a great deal of debate already in this House and elsewhere. I am glad that today's debate is being conducted in a most respectful and thoughtful manner on a question of principle, and there are very principled arguments to be made both for a unicameral and bicameral system. It is unfortunate that some of the debate in other quarters has become personalised, and I am glad we will not descend to that level here.

As leader of the Labour group I will be voting for the Bill as I recognise and accept that we signed up to the programme for Government in February 2011 in which a commitment was given to hold a referendum on the future of the Seanad. As the Taoiseach stated, there is a political imperative that the question is now put to the people. However, I will not be voting in favour of abolishing the Seanad and I will urge others to do the same, as we should be able to reform rather than abolish the Seanad.