James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I agree with the amendment as it will help to maintain the relevance of the Seanad. Politics is concerned with helping people in their local communities. It is all about leading, helping, supporting and looking after them in their communities. A Senator does not have a constituency as such, but we represent our counties and local authorities and as Oireachtas Members take pride in them. Currently almost two thirds of the Members of this House serve on local authorities and have constituencies. We do not have the same facilities in our constituencies as Dáil Deputies. For example, we do not have a constituency secretary. This needs to be addressed. We must make representations for people and cannot turn away those we have represented for 15, 20 or 25 years. We must never lose sight of the fact that politics is about serving people.

We are responsible for leading and helping our communities and are involved in development association meetings. Every weekend I have about five meetings a night to attend. This work is important and involves a lot of time writing reports and preparing documentation. We have not got the secretarial services that we need and we would like to see this addressed. The Bill does not make adequate provision for Seanad Members to represent the people in their constituencies.

It is important that we develop new ways of working. We should give Senators and councillors the powers they need to lead their communities. We should be facilitated in the same way as Deputies as we are all lumped together as Oireachtas Members in the Bill. Will the Minister inform us what he intends to do in regard to this?