Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I, too, congratulate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for their role in the release of Sharon Commins and her Ugandan friend, Hilda Kawuki.

I am one of the senior Members of the House and have spoken many times on the issue of Seanad reform and on how the House should be reformed with regard to the selection and election procedures. I have spoken at length about the role and functions of the Seanad. If nothing else, I was taken aback on Saturday night when I heard the statement of Deputy Enda Kenny. Perhaps he has jolted us into holding this debate once and for all and to get on with the reform of the Seanad. We should have reform first and if that does not work then let us abolish it, but let us not put the cart before the horse. We have not had a chance to have that reform and we need to have it. Are the committees doing the role of the Seanad? Is there a duplication? Often when we could debate issues here related to European affairs they are being debated in the committee. This Chamber could be used to monitor directives, for the scrutiny of European affairs and to bring in MEPs to the Chamber such that we reach out to the public as to how we do our business abroad. There are many ways and I ask that we move on the reform, but I will not support the abolition. The Seanad has served us well throughout the years.