Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The motion calls for the establishment a sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to make proposals on Seanad reform and we have already heard many laudable suggestions in this debate. Many commentators talk about reforming the Seanad when there is not much other news. It would be presumptuous of me, as a new Senator, to speak at length about reform when I am still trying to learn the procedures followed in the House but I compliment Senator Hayes on the large number of proposals he has made.

This House must respond in a relevant fashion to outside events. We must hold debates dealing with the issues of the day on a more regular basis. This debate should not degenerate into a slagging match about who was elected by councillors or by graduates; it would be regrettable if reforms dealt only with these areas.

There were suggestions that the House should meet outside Dublin and if that is practical it should be done. Ballaghadereen, the headquarters of the BMW region, has been mentioned as a venue. If that were to happen, we would have to meet in Waterford, the headquarters of the south-east region.

Senator O'Toole suggested that councillors should vote on the Oireachtas panels and those on the nominating bodies should vote for people working in those areas. That is worth consideration. My nominating body is the Irish Conference of Service and Professional Associations, which covers a wide range of business, service and representative associations.

The level of debate in this House is very high. I have enjoyed the contributions of every Member since my election. The House has much to offer and its Members have a relevance in the State. I agree that we should establish a sub-committee and that it should report as soon as possible. The House should be reformed in some areas.