Seanad debates
Wednesday, 9 October 2002
Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion.
It is important that this House is seen to be different from the Dáil. We should have a broader scope, for example. This has to be borne in mind when we consider reform, which I accept is needed. Nobody is apolitical or non-partisan. This is different from being a non-party or Independent Member. I value the role of Independent Deputies and Senators in the system. A large percentage of county councillors are not aligned to the main parties and their votes are important during Seanad elections. Reform is needed to ensure that as many people as possible are involved in electing Senators, and involved in the work of the Oireachtas. It is important to ensure that the vocational aspect of the Seanad is strengthened.
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