Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I confessed at the outset that my notes were somewhat disorganised. I did not realise I would get the opportunity to speak on this matter today. However, I am delighted to do so. I agree with what Senator Mansergh said about the North. We realise there are four separate and distinct main parties there. The Senator means well with his proposal for two Senators from the North. As we know there is great value in having an independent voice in the House of a person such as Senator Maurice Hayes who has been excellent.

I too would have reservations about the list system and the potentially anti-democratic measure inherent therein. One would worry about the integrity of the system and those compiling the lists. Presumably, the lists would be drawn up at individual party headquarters and we would not have the widest possible input into them. For that reason, I agree with Senator Paddy Burke and Senator Mansergh that there is merit in our current system which I would be slow to change.

The report has some good points and makes some excellent recommendations, a few of which I have mentioned. There are many more such as the suggestion regarding former taoisigh and tánaistí with which I would not disagree. The main recommendations appear to be to change the numbers and the method of election. The debate will go on. It is good that we have this report and that further debate will follow. This will not end today.

Another great service provided by the report is the inclusion in its appendices of the descriptions of other second chambers and the method by which their members are elected. I have no particular interest in the Canadian or Australian chambers as they are so far from us, but found the descriptions of the European chambers very interesting. We would all agree the British have a major problem with their second chamber.

This report provides a valuable service. I welcome it and the debate thereon. I thank the Minister of State for his attendance and his attention. He has been good to us.