Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Despite the fact that our State was only established in 1922, just 93 years ago, it has a history of stability and democracy that stands in sharp contrast to many of our European neighbours. Our State in its history has faced many challenges, including civil war, near economic collapse and a long struggle with paramilitary groups. Despite this, the Irish people have never allowed the light of our democracy to be extinguished.

To be proud of the stable democracy which the Irish people have built is not to be blind to the need for reform of our political institutions; rather, it is to accept that the zeal for reform must go hand-in-hand with preserving the achievements of past generations. It also recognises that the forces that often overwhelm and destroy democracy start life by assuring people they will reform the democratic system. The definition of reform, just like the definition of conscience, can be broad and depends totally on the individual viewpoint.

This morning's debate is a positive sign of the interest that exists across the Chamber in the area of Oireachtas reform. It is confirmation that this Government's commitment to Oireachtas reform and the steps we have taken to date and will continue to take in the future in this area, have opened up a debate on the issue of parliamentary reform that is both healthy and positive. For too long the inner workings of our Oireachtas were neither commented on nor considered except by a handful of experts. We have opened that debate up and I believe that ongoing parliamentary reform will be a feature of Oireachtas discussions from now on.

No parliament is perfect; there is always room for reform and improvement. While I do not support this Bill or the change it proposes, I am proud that this Government has embraced the issue of Oireachtas reform and I look forward to the next phase of Oireachtas reform later this year.

It is not often I acknowledge the contribution of Sinn Féin or agree with Sinn Féin. However, I acknowledge that Deputy Ó Snodaigh in his contribution had the courage not to take the populist view of a political party just to support the Bill because he is on the Opposition benches. He had the courage as a Deputy in an Opposition party to oppose the Bill rather than take the populist view like other political parties.

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