Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take that point.

The programme for Government includes a provision to put to a referendum of the people the proposal to abolish the Seanad. We on this side say it is right that this be done. One would think from listening to the contribution of Members on the other side that the Taoiseach will just announce the Seanad is abolished. That is the tone of their comments. Senator Leyden referred to the Act of Union, and the role of fraud and corruption. This will be done correctly and democratically through a vote of the people. There is no comparison whatsoever. It is a well meaning but false assertion.. It will be done democratically by the people.

I look forward to the forthcoming debate on the proposed abolition of the Seanad. Many people say the Seanad is irrelevant.

The Seanad is full of decent, intelligent and worthy people. I believe the Seanad is for wisdom while the Dáil might be for energy, not that there is no energy in the Seanad or wisdom in the Dáil. That is not what I am saying but if one was asked which of them was higher, I would say wisdom is higher in the Seanad.