Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday, many Senators spoke about the role of the Seanad, the portrayal by the media of it as irrelevant and the slant put on it over the weekend. I also raised the leadership role this Chamber can play in respect of why we should vote "Yes" in the referendum on the EU reform treaty. Over the weekend, two major organisations overwhelmingly came out in support of a "Yes" vote, based on business and farming perspectives. We have a golden opportunity to set out our platform and relay to the public why it should vote "Yes" in this referendum.

I hope the media will take note that we are doing very well in this Chamber and are raising issues. We want to be noted in that fashion rather than in the negative way that has been depicted over the past few weeks, including last weekend. I was offended at being classed as a non-person in this Chamber and I would like the media to take note of that. We want to play a leadership role and I would like the media to take note, be present and to listen to our debates. Many fine debates take place across the floor on many issues, yet while they are not reported the negative approach taken by the media, of the kind we saw over the weekend, prevails. I was offended by it.