Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The idea of people having seven votes is nonsense.

There are other issues with which we must deal. Those who state that the Seanad should have more power do not understand its function, as established under the Constitution. It would be completely wrong for the Upper House to pervert permanently the will of the people as expressed in the Lower House. Our job is, by force of argument, to introduce new information, put forward new perspectives and try to delay, inform, moderate, modify and add to legislation. The argument that the Seanad can never overturn the Dáil is about as good as that which states that there should not be an Opposition because it cannot overturn the Government. This argument is nonsense and does not stand up.

We must ensure we make the changes to which I refer. The Minister has taken this matter on as a crusade of sorts. I applaud him in that regard and have informed him that he has my full support.

I wish to comment on a final matter. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to commit to public life. The way the media operate, it is becoming a less attractive option and fewer people will choose to be public representatives in the future. One of the things of which I am extremely proud and in respect of which I get a great deal of hassle is the fact that I negotiated a safety net for teachers who chose to seek election as public representatives. I ensured these individuals would be supported and that they would have jobs to which they could return if they lost their seats or left public life. People might object to the terms of the deal I negotiated but the principle behind it is correct.

I want someone to ask those in the private and public sectors what they are doing to support people who are good enough to put themselves forward to represent their fellow citizens in the Houses of Parliament. There is a huge problem in this regard. In the same way that a person on maternity leave or whatever cannot be sacked, it is equally important that a person who is elected to parliament should be able to take up office without putting their families at risk. We should ensure there is a fair system of protection for those who give up everything for the sake of serving the citizenry in parliament and who might subsequently lose their seats. This is not directly relevant to the matter under discussion. However, the Minister should challenge people in respect of it.

Everyone appears intent on having a go with regard to the calibre of Members and that which happens in Leinster House. Regardless of whether we agree with the system of election or that for which people stand, those who are currently Members were elected by the will of the people, in some form or other. I am of the view that more people must be encouraged to put themselves forward for election.

I fully support the proposals brought forward by Senator Norris. I regret that the Minister has not moved forward in respect of this matter with greater enthusiasm but I accept that a great deal has happened elsewhere in the past six or seven months. I assure him we will stand with him as long as he goes the whole hog.