Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his response and I am heartened by what he said about committee structures and how he will empower committees in future. I would press him on Members' Bills, however.

Perhaps given the amount of work undertaken by Members in terms of bringing forth Bills the Taoiseach would give consideration to their being scheduled for debate during the week rather than on Fridays. A Bill recently introduced during a Friday sitting, the debate on which I contributed to, has still not gone to committee for consideration. I would prefer if Members who make the effort to introduce Bills are given due respect for doing so and that following conclusion of Second Stage, Committee Stage would be taken as soon as possible thereafter.

With regard to the outcome of the referendum on Seanad abolition, the decision to put the matter before the people was a courageous one and was a commitment in the programme for Government. Those of us who were Fine Gael candidates in the last election stood on the Fine Gael manifesto. Even though the result was not in favour of those of us who would prefer a unicameral system, we must accept the decision of the people.

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