Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

If Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform are to appear before the House and treat it like a rubber stamp, I want to speak on the importance of the Seanad. Previously, someone described the position of a Cathaoirleach as that of a eunuch. Many Senators have been elected. We traipsed around the country, sought mandates from the people, were each elected to do a job and are all paid salaries by taxpayers. Last Friday, our rights were taken away. The Minister came into the House determined not to accept any amendments.