Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The people made their decision known on the Seanad but the Government gave the public the opportunity to vote on its abolition. It was a commitment in the programme for Government. I respect the democratic decision of the people and the Taoiseach outlined to the Seanad the week before last that he will bring forward proposals regarding the House in consultation with the Leader and all other Members of the House.

I take the Deputy's points on the Topical Issue debate, the d'Hondt system and the Friday sittings. Fridays are working well but after a Member introduces a Bill, each political party or group spokesperson should then outline his or her position. That should be the form of the debate. If, for example, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl introduced a Bill, I would not like to respond immediately as a backbencher. I would like to hear the position of Fine Gael, the Labour Party, Sinn Féin, the Technical Group and Independent Members before I partake in the debate.

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