Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Give him six minutes. I am delighted with the enthusiasm of the Fianna Fáil Front Bench for the reform of the Seanad. When I listen closely, I realise it is the reform of the university constituencies about which they are concerned. I first stood for election in the early 1980s. At that time I proposed that every graduate of a third level college should have a vote in the Seanad elections. I was elected in 1987, 1989, 1992, 1997 and this year. On each occasion I have made the same proposal. Every single Member of the university panel whom I have sat with in this House has been in favour of what Senator Leyden proposed. If we are to make the House meaningful to our guests and anyone else, let us give them a vote. The difference between the university Senators and Senator Leyden is that we are prepared and want to extend the franchise to each graduate of every third level college on this island. That is our position.

We want greater participation on our panel. I guarantee the Senator that no Member on his side of the House will state that the franchise on their panels should be extended. The reason is that 900 county councillors, various local authority representatives, Senators and Deputies elect 43 Members to the House. If I am correct, I have seven votes in a Seanad election. Why should I have seven votes when most members of the population have none? That is disgraceful and it is not something we should countenance.

As it stands, this House is unrepresentative and undemocratic. My comments are not to be seen in any way—