Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, line 17, to delete "either House of the Oireachtas" and substitute Dáil Éireann".

I thank the Minister for coming. Amendment No. 1 proposes to exclude Senators from the change in the legislation. Many Members who spoke on Second Stage made the point that Senators were in a different position from Deputies. They have a relationship with councillors which arises from the way in which they are elected. They are elected by county councillors. There is a tradition of Members of the Seanad being county councillors, although there are other practising professionals in the House, which professions take up more time than being a county councillor. The Members concerned contribute their knowledge and expertise to the House. A county councillor can, however, bring the same perspective to the House, which is very important. Being a former county councillor is very different from being a practising county councillor. In the light of the unique relationship between Senators and county councillors in regard to Seanad elections, it is important to maintain this perspective in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

It is often said that the committee of the regions in the European Parliament is effectively its senate. Its members include sitting councillors. A similar situation applies here. I am a Senator and county councillor and I have no problem holding both positions. The Seanad does not sit the same number of hours as the Dáil and it would be absurd to suggest that it should sit five days a week. As it is, Senators work hard and the current level of participation by the House is sufficient.

On Second Stage, I expressed the view that the dual mandate should not be abolished. It should be for candidates, the political parties and the electors to decide. For example, the Green Party has made a choice in this area in the absence of a legislative prohibition.

From my contact with different parties, I have found that Members of both Houses find the practicalities of the dual mandate more difficult, but some are prepared to give the extra time that is required. I am a solicitor, but I have chosen to wind down that part of my career in favour of full-time involvement as a politician. Should I decide to resume my career as a solicitor I may decide not to pursue my work as a county councillor, but at present I find it is manageable to be both a county councillor and Senator. Deputies could make the same argument. It is a question of choice and as a Senator I am putting the case for the dual mandate in this House. Deputies can make their case in the Dáil.