John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I take a slightly different angle. I accept what has been said about the status of the House and the fact that it should be adequately represented, whatever the body happens to be. Apart from standing on ceremony and status, I believe it would actually improve the body. In relation to Bills at the end of a session, my experience tells me that frequently they can be defective. The defects are not always picked up because of the necessity to get them through the Houses. The argument that a Bill might have to be returned to the Dáil for amendment at the end of a session is not valid. If it is right it is right and should be done.

We made reference on Second Stage to the need for staff to be represented on the commission. I agreed with Senator O'Toole about this. This is one way of squaring that circle.