John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Cáit Keane, who highlighted the practice of tabling unrealistic motions and demanding Ministers come to the House at the drop of a hat that are designed more for show than for effect. We have all received numerous representations from a wide range of groups which have had their funding cut in the last while. We all agree that this funding should not have been cut and that it seems a little mean-spirit, given the amount of money being saved compared to the value being achieved. Instead of tabling show-boating motions, Senator John Kelly and I went to see the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, who was not unaware of the concern expressed and the hardship caused. He said he was open to receiving representations not only from Government Members but from all Oireachtas Members. We left the meeting feeling rather confident that in due course there would be a positive outcome on all of the cuts made.

I ask the Leader if will be possible to have a discussion on Seanad reform early in the new term after the recess. We have talked a good deal about Seanad reform which we have achieved to a small degree. Much of it has been internal and not received the attention it deserves from the wider public. I would like us to have a discussion on the loosening the Whip system in the Seanad. The Whip system is the single biggest obstacle that prevents real reform taking place. I have supported measures that I might not ordinarily have supported but not doing so would have automatically meant losing the party Whip. I have spoken several times about this. I have to balance whether it would be worth losing the party Whip on something that might not be a core issue for me if it would remove any influence I have in areas in which I could make a real difference. Mental health is a particular interest of mine. When we return after the recess, perhaps we might schedule a substantial and comprehensive debate on how we could go about reforming the House without having to resort to constitutional or statutory change or even changes to Standing Orders. They are plenty of things we could do ourselves.