John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to outline the changes proposed to the running of the House in the new year in the light of the new responsibilities of the Seanad under the Lisbon treaty which has been accepted in all its parts and enjoys the full protection of our law and the Constitution. With that in mind, will the Leader also indicate that it is impossible for a unicameral parliament to undertake the work necessary to oversee European Union and all domestic legislation? In other words, two Chambers of Parliament are necessary, given the responsibilities of the House. If the proposal to abolish the Seanad had been made by my party, I would have made the same statement. We have a responsibility to ensure members of the public are made aware that the Seanad must discharge a new responsibility over and above its usual responsibilities.