Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We could formulate the new system in such a way that far fewer Senators would be elected by local authority members.

As stated previously - some consider my remarks in this regard sacrilegious and do not agree with them - in fairness to colleagues on the Government benches who have built up constituencies on the various vocational panels, I would be satisfied if the Minister decided to proceed with a system such as that which I have outlined in the election after next. I accept that many would not agree with this but it would give people a period in which to come to terms with the new system. I am of the view, however, that fair is fair.

There are three different groups of Senators. First, there are those who are in the Seanad because they want to make a contribution to its work. Second, there are those who are here because they failed to gain election to the Dáil. Third, there are those who are here who are trying to build up a profile to gain election to the Dáil. Unlike Senator Norris, I do not have a difficulty with this. I like the idea of people who aspire to membership of the Dáil and those who were Deputies - even some who held ministerial office - becoming Members of this House. If the structure of the electoral system is right, then I have no problem with that which I have outlined.

The position is similar with regard to the University Panel and I agree with the point made by Senator Norris in this regard. In 1979 we took a constitutional decision that the franchise should be extended to the other colleges and this should be done immediately. We are of the view, however, that nothing should be agreed until everything is agreed. It would be just too easy to change the position only as it relates to the university panel. I would be prepared to change the position regarding the university panel now and not changing that which obtains in respect of the others as long as legislation relating to those panels came into operation at some later date.

Every citizen should, in some form or other, have one vote - only one - in the Seanad.