Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister was very forthright and almost curt in his response. I acknowledge that what is contained in the Bill will receive the scrutiny it deserves in the Seanad. However, one of the main elements of it is the publication of a climate change plan. It would have targets, proposals and responsibilities and much of what would be contained in it would have to be adhered to by various Departments. The Seanad has the authority to agree or disagree with, and scrutinise and amend, many aspects of the Bill, including the general plan. The Minister believes it is right and proper to discard that collective authority of the Seanad and the wisdom that may be contained within it. If the Seanad is entitled to agree the parameters of the plan, by virtue of amending and eventually voting on this Bill, it is entitled, on a regular basis, to be appraised of it and of its success or failure in order for it to initiate amendments to the Bill into the future. I do not believe it is at the behest, or within the remit, of the Minister to rid it of that authority because, as other speakers have said, the Seanad, as the second or the Upper House, has a role to play and that is provided for in the Constitution. It is very disappointing that the Minister can do this on a whim and in such a fashion so soon after the people disagreed with the Taoiseach who felt it necessary to rid us of the Seanad, irrespective of reforms that might have emanated from whatever parties within this House or outside it.

I again ask the Minister to reconsider his decision and to allow for the Seanad, the same as this House, to be appraised, on a regular basis, of the successor or otherwise of this plan, as constituted by this Bill, in order for the Members of the Seanad, like us, to make recommendations for a new Bill or new amendments to address any deficiencies there may be.

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