Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator Bacik for sharing her time. I support the amendment and I was not sure whether I would do so until I came to the Chamber and listened to what was being discussed. My objective, and the objective of many of us, is to ensure the Seanad becomes a creative and viable force in the political process. I fear this is not likely to happen. I was disappointed to hear the Minister state he was anxious to progress. I know he has been in office only a short time but phrases such as "anxious to progress" and the suggestions he made indicate a danger that a talking shop will continue for a long period.

We need reform. However, I am not sure the public recognises this in the same way we do because I do not believe they regard us highly. Those of us here know the amount of work done and what we have achieved. A great deal can be stated in favour of a bicameral system. Recently, I was written to by a professor in New Zealand who is writing a report on bicameral systems throughout the world. He asked for details on the Irish system because he was anxious to learn about it.

When speaking about Seanad reform we tend to speak about the electoral system. While we need to reform the electoral system, we can do a great deal apart from this. This debate is similar to the one we had on 27 April 2004. Reading the speech I made on that occasion, I realise I could almost make the same one today.

Previously in this House, I made the point that what upsets me about our system and why I believe we lose credibility among the public is the use of lobbyists who come in behind the scenes. I would love to see this House used for open and transparent lobbying with no other lobbying allowed. Anybody who wishes to influence a Minister or a civil servant would do it in the full and open transparency of this House. If this system worked it would be a major improvement on the recognition for the political system and process we have.

Another change that could be made is the introduction of question time. When the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, accepted questions last week it was a healthy method of using this House.