David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the remarks of the previous speaker. I have made reference a number of times to the all-party consensus which appeared to be evident at the environment committee, which is good and positive. On the subject of political reform in the future, I have no doubt but that it will again be a topic of conversation for a while, for whatever Government comes into office after the next election, until we all settle into the old ways of doing business.However, it strikes me that a good way of drafting legislation would be to draw from the reports of committees where there is all-party consensus. If we had done that on this issue, this legislation would be different. I agree with Senator Barrett that both the Seanad and the Dáil should sign off on these plans. They should not be simply presented to, or laid before, us. As they are so profound, it is important that we have a proper debate and discuss them. The Oireachtas, the people elected by the people, should be signing off on them. It seemed on Committee Stage that this had all-party consensus but that seems to have dropped away in the meantime, which is a source of regret. I, therefore, support the amendment.