Maurice Hayes (Independent)

We are now discussing the rights and dignities of the House rather than the Bill. The Tánaiste can see the appetite in the House for such a discussion. I take some hope from his response to Senator Quinn that future consideration of these important issues concerning the liberty and rights of the subject might, if legislation is proposed, make use of the strengths of the House. This is a reflective House. We will not all return after the summer, but in the names of our putative successors, I suggest that there is a realisation that the Seanad could be a good place to debate this type of issue. It tends to be more reflective and less adversarial than the other House and it would genuinely assist a Minister to develop legislation of this kind in future.