Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I also wonder at the proposal to have a Cathaoirleach who is automatically re-elected. It makes much sense in the context of the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, who is unable to undertake the normal day-to-day constituency work that is a particular feature of Dáil Members' work. However, given the role of the Seanad, the idea that the Cathaoirleach would be re-elected automatically does not appear to me to be quite so compelling.

In the time that remains to me, I wish to note that Members must not simply discuss reform of how the Seanad is elected but must also talk about reform of how it does its business. I was involved in a debate last Friday with the director general of IBEC who came up with the rather glib view that the Seanad simply should be abolished. That is an example of the kind of pub talk that is going on about serious issues at present.