James Bannon (Fine Gael)

It is interesting to see that Fianna Fáil's arguments against giving ordinary citizens a Seanad vote were of a politically pragmatic nature. Why would Fianna Fáil be concerned with the practical consequences of such actions?

The Seanad is to be retained despite reservations by the Progressive Democrats about its effectiveness, but in a very overhauled form with a view to making it a vigorous and vital part of the future governance of the State. Political inertia, which has in the past stymied reform, seems finally to have been overcome, but is there any certainty that these changes as proposed will be in place for the next general election? The major elements will require a constitutional referendum, which will have to take place within the next two years if the changes are to be introduced before the next general election.

Seven years ago the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution proposed the direct election of 15 Members of the Seanad and the enfranchisement of all third level graduates to elect six university or third level Members, without affecting the overall numbers. Nothing was done, however. In all, there have been 11 previous reports on Seanad reform with little or nothing to show for them. This is the 12th reform plan and the first which claims to have all-party support. The fundamental difference now is that there is a strongly demonstrated desire for change not only from Members of the Oireachtas, but also from the public. We are light years behind public opinion on Seanad reform.

My party, Fine Gael, advocated a mixed voting system as a first step to full, direct elections. It is interesting and even reassuring that Fianna Fáil's view, despite supporting the continuation of the existing voting system, did not prevail in these proposals.

The proposed abolition of Seanad vocational panels, which nominate candidates for Seanad elections, will see the end of what is a unique international electoral system. The Leader of the House referred to that point also in her contribution. While we may be unique in terms of this system, the report highlights the fact that we are not alone in facing problems that confront other second chambers throughout the world. Ultimately, our problems are peculiar to our situation and must be resolved in the best interests of society.

As suggested, 26 of the directly elected Senators should be elected by voters on a national list PR system, with elections being held every five years on the same day as the European and local elections. That is the proposal in the report and I welcome it because it would give greater independence to the Seanad if that were to happen.