John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Professor Farrell pointed out Deputy Eoghan Murphy's interest in the Whip system. The system that operates in many other countries, principally our neighbouring island, allows for a more relaxed form of whip, and that the whip is relaxed depending on when the party whips decide on issues. When I was first elected to the Seanad, 12 years ago, every week we were told there was a three-line whip on every vote. Can such a system be relaxed? Is there scope for relaxation?