Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very supportive of the report produced by Dr. Manning and a number of others from different parties on Seanad reform. I spoke to Dr. Manning recently and he is prepared to work with an implementation group that would be available to advise Senators on the technical aspects of the report. I commend the Seanadóirí from the Sinn Féin Party for their efforts, but ultimately this is a matter for all Senators and I am supportive of the Manning report being implemented. I am not sure what their response will be. It is a new Seanad with a diverse range of opinions, but having gone through the attempt to abolish the House and having had the people say, "We want the Seanad retained," I am supportive of it being reformed. The Manning report provides a range of opportunities to engage in such reform. I expect the proposal from the Sinn Féin Senators to feed into this. Obviously, I spoke to the Leader of the Seanad and that House will have a debate on the matter in the near future.

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