Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I listened carefully to the debate and a consensus is apparent. This is a political Chamber. It is subordinate to the Dáil and is dissolved when the Dáil is dissolved and because it is a political Chamber we must consider our electorate.

The Seanad is composed of five panels which have a range of nominating bodies. I am concerned about the number of nominating bodies coming out of the woodwork today. My nominating body is relevant to the issues which arise in society and which are discussed in this House and I speak for it when I can. We could examine nominating bodies.

Local authority members guard their right absolutely to select Senators and rightly so. It should remain like this for the simple reason that they have been elected themselves. Local authority members are professional people who know the electorate and who will not be told who they should elect. They are good at assessing every candidate. My first election to this Chamber was in 1993. I had to get to know my electorate and that was how I was elected. That is the only way any of us should be elected to this House. I do not want this Chamber to become a mere stepping stone to the Lower House nor do I want it to be a retirement home for those who have nowhere else to go. I am a professional Senator and I have a significant role to play here.

We have addressed many issues, such as the undocumented Irish in the United States, our overseas aid programme and EU legislation. There was public outcry in regard to EU directives on public service and agriculture but the public felt these issues were not being aired. I blame the media for that because after we debated the issues here, I looked for coverage in the newspapers and on television and radio but failed to find a single line. The media rather than Senators are at fault because we make good contributions and scrutinise and initiate legislation. That is how I would like reform to be introduced.

I am totally opposed to the proposals on direct elections which would be held alongside local and European elections. The public would be confused if any further elections were held on the same day. I also oppose the list system and I will not have my or any other party making a list of who should be elected. That is not democracy to me. Local county councillors will not be told by the hierarchy of any party who they should elect. I have problems with many of the recommendations before us.

We have opportunities for internal reform. Senator Cummins referred to reform on the Order of Business. I find it distasteful that the Order of Business is like a classroom in which we have to raise our hands for attention. Such a system is not professional for Senators and it should be changed. I would like to see reform in that regard. There is room in this House for continuity among professional Senators who are really interested in whatever comes before them. We should explore how we can enhance the role of the Seanad rather than use it as an opportunity to jump to the other House. I consider the people who do that as opportunists who are not fulfilling their role properly. One is either a professional Senator or going somewhere else. I do not want to be regarded as passing through or at a retirement stage of my life because that is not the way I conduct my business. This Chamber is being spoiled because too many people are in transition rather than concentrating on the proper role of the Seanad.