Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I will do everything in my power to assist the Government in processing legislation. I do not have any difficulty sitting for four days per week or until late in the evening for as long as is required. I will try to facilitate colleagues further.

Later today, I will submit to the Minister the Fianna Fáil Party proposals on Seanad reform. I hope legislation on reform will come before the House for our consideration in early autumn. All sides of the House are willing to sit earlier and more often and take whatever steps are needed to enhance the role of the Seanad. We are open to all suggestions, whether from long-standing Senators or the new, energetic and enthusiastic colleagues who have recently joined the House. We will make the Seanad relevant to the demands of the 21st century.