Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

With the Chair's indulgence, I would like to make a few more points. I support the call for the scrutiny of public appointments as mentioned by other speakers. A revised number of joint committees should be chaired and convened by Senators. Clearly, as Deputies are expected to be more involved in constituency work than Senators, Senators could chair and convene committees. I do not propose we receive any money or a reward for so doing other than that we do so on the days we attend the Oireachtas.

On the methods of election, some members should be elected through the panel system but I am not against universal franchise on a constituency basis such as the European constituencies. Another issue on which I would like to see some work done - I acknowledge some work was done in the past - is the petition system, whereby, for example, 50,000 members of the public or any three of a list of prescribed organisations could petition the Seanad to consider an issue and on which - this is interesting, although it may not be possible to achieve agreement on it - an open and free non-partisan vote would take place to determine a follow-up recommendation or achieve referral to the Cabinet which would, in turn, respond on the matter within three months. However, such a recommendation would not be binding. This would be greatly welcomed by the public. I am not being populist but such an initiative would be worthwhile.

More than anything I hope that during the remainder of my time as a Member of this House some reforms will be made. Senator Norris has often stated that on opening day of the Seanad the issue of Seanad reform is always one about which there is great enthusiasm but that the level of enthusiasm usually lags after the first two or three weeks. I hope that with the help of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, the rest of the Government and Members of this House that will not happen this time. I know every Member of this House is a strong and enthusiastic supporter of Seanad reform. I have expressed a few of my ideas, some of which may be a little radical. Nevertheless, they are genuine in their ambition to see what is a relevant and important institution and arm of State become even more effective. While the media have chosen not to provide coverage of our work, that is their hard luck. We continue to do good work.