Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is very pleasant to be back in this House. I enjoyed my stint in the Seanad from 1989 to 1992 and I look forward to the interaction we will have in the Chamber in the future. I commend you, a Chathaoirligh, on the even-handed and progressive way in which you direct the proceedings of this House.

I would like to refer to my predecessor and Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher. He said at the beginning of the debate on Seanad reform in June last that the Government's objective is to listen to the views of Members of the House on the many issues dealt with in the sub-committee's excellent report. Now that we have reached the conclusion of the debate on Seanad reform, I want to thank the Members of the House for giving me and my ministerial colleagues, who listened attentively to Senators' comments in June and September, an opportunity to hear their many varied views at first hand.

The whole question of Seanad reform is a core element in the wider debate on democracy and the political process in Ireland as we chart our course for the 21st century. The approach of Senators in evaluating the role of the Seanad, advocating and embracing reform and developing new roles for this House, while at the same time maintaining its integral character and status as part of our modern democracy, is to be commended. The Government welcomes all the contributions from across the House, which reflect the wide range of issues to be addressed. Senators can be assured that their views are the key to the future of the reform process.

Senators may be aware that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, will be chairman of the cross-party parliamentary group to be established imminently. Its aim is to advance, with consensus, the recommendations of the sub-committee report. The Minister intends to proceed immediately with the establishment of the group and will arrange, in consultation with the eminent Leader of this House, Senator O'Rourke, to keep the Seanad informed along the way.

I will conclude by thanking the Cathaoirleach and Senators for their warm welcome, very kind words and good wishes to me as a new Minister in this House.