Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

Well I hope people do come out on the streets, but that is a debate for a different day and presumably they will.

In the meantime, we have the issue of how people get elected to the Dáil and I want to look at a number of matters. The role of the Electoral Commission is important. We have had scandalous decision-making whereby towns have been partitioned and communities marginalised by an unelected electoral boundary commission. We need to have an impact and democratic accountability in this.

The Seanad needs to be dealt with. I agree with most of the points made with regard to local government. The public was able to exert pressure over councillors and local representatives and what did the Government do? It changed the regulations and abdicated all power so the status quo could continue and now effectively councillors have no decision-making powers whatsoever.

We have one of the most centralised systems in Europe or probably internationally. If we are really speaking about reform we must start at local level, and decision-making and accountability for health, education and public services should be devolved to more powerful local authorities, which is certainly not the case at present. The Seanad is an affront to people and taxpayers. Last week, people who had knocked on my door looking for a vote stood up and stated they had been elected to the Seanad to represent Sligo and Leitrim. They are failed Dáil candidates who see it as a stepping stone to this Chamber. It has no meat or substance and it should be abolished.

I warn the Government about some of the proposals it made to the Whips dressed up as Dáil reform. We must let it know it will not get away with this.

See this speech in context