Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

It is the Pontifical University of Maynooth.

Our party has been to the forefront in proposing reform of this House. Let us have a meaningful debate but let us not home in on the fact that most of us are elected from vocational panels by councillors. Like the Leader said, what is good should be retained and where there is a democratic deficit it should be changed. There is no such thing as a part-time Senator. I, like others here, work harder than some Members in the Dáil. We should get the recognition we deserve as a relevant House. It behoves us to make it relevant.

The media, which pays scant regard to this House, has a role to play in Seanad reform. The coverage is paltry and is not good enough for the Upper House of the Parliament.