Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Can we blame many Deputies for focusing, as some other Senators have mentioned, on their constituencies? No, we cannot. That is the system we have and it badly needs reform, perhaps more so than this House.

We also need reform at local level. Devolution of functions is something we have long spoken about. Councillors must be given real powers and revenue raising abilities, taking the national politicians out of the power broking equation. This applies equally to Senators. We have seen reform from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with the abolition of town councils and 1,254 local town councillors, to whom I pay tribute for their Trojan work and commitment to local democracy.

I recognise what the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has done in transferring some power from councils to districts. Some 81 powers have been transferred to local district councils, which is a great improvement on what was in place when I was involved in an area district council. More has to be done. Deck chairs are being shifted from county to district level but not from central to district level.

The Minister has asked for reports from each Department on where more devolution of functions could take place, and I await the completion of that exercise. In respect of the devolution of functions, I agree with the Taoiseach when he said in 2009 that a huge centralisation of power in Ireland is incompatible with a healthy republic.

The Seanad has a role in counterbalancing the Dáil, something to which many speakers referred and on which I will not dwell. Since I came to the House I have heard many times that the quality of debate here far exceeds that of the other House, not because of lesser ability but because of time management and systems. As one person who visited both Houses said, "I know now why the Seanad is called the Upper House."

I also wish to note the non-adversarial methodology and style which usually pertains in the House. It is not always the case, such as on the Order of Business, but we can usually implement non-adversarial methodology.

In regard to the argument on financial savings, which many have mentioned, can we get rid of 50% of backbenchers without affecting the democratic balance? Perhaps the answer to that question should be put to the people, and then we would be able to really talk about saving money. All of the facts should be placed before the people, including the full costs of the Houses of the Oireachtas, including committees.

Senator, please.