Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will speak briefly before the Leader replies. It was an historic, constitutional occasion. Everybody in the House, acting not only as part of an institution but as individuals, should have learned something from the debate, be it good or bad. It was good for the future of the institution, although the outcome was probably unexpected. Many citizens may have forgotten that since 1 January 1938 the imprint of every piece of legislation passed into law has had the involvement of Seanad Éireann, but many are slow to forget this. Perhaps the Leader or somebody else might enlighten me. I hear the argument that 60% of the electorate did not turn up. I have been involved in politics for a long time, ever since I was a child. I have never seen more than 70%, on average, turn out to vote. The average is in the high 50s and low 60s. From my research, it appears the turnout in this referendum is in the top six for referendums held in the past 20 years. These things puzzle me. Perhaps the Leader has some answers, but I thought it was a substantial turnout. The citizens had their say and gave their verdict, which was positive for this institution. I respect this.

I thank the Leader for his indulgence. It is an unusual and historic day for this establishment. I apologise for allowing everybody in, but there will be no vote on the Order of Business and I took the liberty to try to give everybody his or her say on the day that was in it.