Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There are competing views as to how the numbers in the Seanad should be made up. I gave my views to the committee last September on the issue. I understand from the subsequent debate that took place and from meeting the committee on a number of occasions over the past six months that it will recommend that what is known as the Taoiseach's 11 be used in a different way and also that the overall formation of the Seanad be changed. It is also seeking participation by various groups such as emigrants.

Many Members in both Houses have considerable experience of emigrant issues and speak frequently on them. These include Members who worked or were forced to work abroad. It is not always the case that current members of such organisations — as good as those organisations are — are the only ones who can represent these groups.

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