Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes, I wish to share with Senator Ormonde.

I am glad to be able to contribute to this debate. When the Committee on Procedure and Privileges met it was chaired by the Cathaoirleach and there was cross-party support for reform of the Seanad. Many Senators have contributed ideas for reform which they wish to see implemented. The Irish Times has taken a great interest in the question of Seanad reform, as have some other newspapers. While there are many divergent voices, there is clearly a strong wish for a re-examination of reform of the House.

In preparing for this debate, I looked up all the reports on reform that have been produced over the years. For example, in 1936 a committee was formed to re-establish the Upper House which had been prorogued by the then President of the Executive Council, Éamon de Valera. The 1936 debate produced three minority reports and five major reservations, so full agreement was not achieved.

In 1959, a Seanad electoral law commission was established, which discussed the possibility of increasing the role of vocational groups. In 1967, a constitutional committee dealt with the Seanad and its various duties and, in 1996, Deputy Jim O'Keeffe produced a report on the composition of the Seanad. Earlier this year, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is now a Minister of State, produced a report as chairman of the commission on the Constitution. From 1936 to 2002, therefore, many worthy men and women contributed to major debates on Seanad reform.

I have always liked the Seanad Chamber, which is a lovely part of Leinster House, and I have always contributed enthusiastically to debates here. It has stood to me as the Lord must have known this was to be the outcome for me. In particular, as a Minister, I always liked to steer legislation through this House. The contributions to legislation here are remarkably well researched and broadly based. Many Ministers, including myself, accepted amendments to Bills in this House.

During the three or four weeks we have been in session, there has been general agreement that the House has worked satisfactorily. I am sure, however, that the work of the House will not always be so tranquil and that prima donnas, mostly males, will cause many storms in teacups.