Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank everyone for his or her good wishes, which I appreciate. The Bill is very technical. I ask for support for it on the basis that whether one likes the legislation or not, the democratic process must continue. We can debate the merits and demerits of the process in place, but that is what is there at the moment and it must be initiated. I thank the Members who are supporting the Bill. I understand the frustrations of the Members who referred to the non-filling of the vacancy and the ongoing debate over years on Seanad reform. As someone who sat in the House for a couple of years, I have great respect for the Seanad. It had a huge influence on me and my career. It also had a huge impact on me regarding the debating process. It is quite healthy and I am very much a supporter of it.

I have been in the post since last Friday and I do not want to indicate that I can change the world. It would not be right to say that. However, I note that I will look very closely at what is achievable as regards reforming the Seanad in a positive way in the next 18 to 20 months or other period the Government is in place. I am determined to look at the matter in depth and to take on board everyone's views. I am determined also to use my experience of the Seanad, which was not that long ago, to influence and change positively the way things work. We have learned a great deal about the Seanad in recent years and we must embrace change. Everyone needs to pull together. There are elements of what many speakers said today that I endorse.