Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, for coming into the House for the Final Stages of the Bill. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, for his excellent and comprehensive speech. The Leader of the House and the other leaders in the House should note this constitutes an opportunity for Members to come together and study. Following the treaty's full ratification by the Czechs, Members should immediately move into action. Members should agree through the Cathaoirleach and the leadership of the House on protocol and procedures to enable the House to act straight away on a regular basis, be it weekly, fortnightly or whatever is required, in respect of legislation passed or recommended by the Commission as by so doing, Members will provide an opportunity to people nationwide. As people will know what business is planned in the Seanad, they will be able to make submissions to the House through the Clerk or the Leader to the House in order that their views and concerns may be dealt with in a comprehensive manner. In addition, Members also have the opportunity to invite members of the European Parliament to the Chamber to discuss their attitude to such issues.

This is a very exciting time and affords an opportunity to this House to prove to those who may have doubts that it can justify its existence. While there may be policy changes in this regard in the future, at least this will prove to be the most historic change to the workings of the Seanad since 1937. This is a very exciting time and I am delighted with this Bill. Moreover, I am pleased the Minister of State is present to discuss this matter. I believe that irrespective of the future, this House can play one of the most important roles in respect of the European Union and the question of policies, decisions and Bills that come through the Oireachtas.