Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I was about to leave the Chamber as I presumed the time was up. I welcome the legislation which will start the process for a referendum on the future of Seanad Éireann. Much has already been said on the issue and I have no doubt that much more will be said on the Seanad before the referendum is concluded. I am pleased that the process is now formally under way. The Government is providing the ultimate public debate in the form of a long public referendum campaign between now and early October when we can have a national discussion on the future of the Seanad. Those in favour of retaining the Seanad would have to agree that the present Seanad is simply not up to the job of acting as the Upper House.

See this speech in context