David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not support the Bill. I do not believe there is a huge variety of talent among the public that is equipped for this task. I remember that when I was elected to the House a number of years ago, there was a very distinguished Clerk of the Seanad, Mr. Kieran Coughlan, who went on to become Clerk of the Dáil. He played a very significant role in a quiet way. However, the tradition, practice and law up to now has been that the Cathaoirleach wrote to the Taoiseach with a name and the Taoiseach nominated that person. This Bill represents a very significant and dramatic stripping away of the powers of this House. I oppose it for that reason alone. It is clear - it is a fact - that the Taoiseach is intent on grabbing as much power as he possibly can. That is very undemocratic.

On the question of reform of the Seanad, the Government's moves in this regard have been laughable. It has done absolutely nothing. It has looked at tinkering with the university seats in a disastrous way. The only element that is democratic, in which the ordinary members of the nominating body are enfranchised, is under attack. We are already democratic, but the Government is expanding the electorate to 850,000 voters for six seats.

In respect of the next group of 43 Senators elected by delegated universal suffrage there are fewer than 1,000 voters, all of whom are politicals instructed by their parties how to vote. They have 43 seats. Then one has the golden ticket of the Taoiseach's nomination. He nominates 11 Members without even a farce of an election. By its alleged reform, the Government is increasing and maximising an already glaring discrepancy. My colleague, Senator Sean Barrett, introduced legislation which would have increased the university seats satisfactorily while taking a seat here or there from some of the other groups. That was defeated on the instructions of the Government. People have talked about whipping and it is clear that the Government has handed down instructions on how to vote in this matter to its own side. It is also clear that Fianna Fáil Members have been instructed how to vote. It is extraordinary that the overwhelming majority of Members of this House have been instructed by the Dáil what to do to strip away the Seanad's powers. Anyone talking about hypocrisy, as one of the preceding speakers this morning has, can see it there. For those clear and simple reasons, I will vote against the legislation.