Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

In the context of the electoral process of the Seanad, I certainly have no difficulty in holding the Seanad election on the same day or staggered from the general election, but we need to look at the context of the Seanad.

Deputy Kenny's proposal to abolish the Seanad has set another debate going, but the motion is valuable. The Minister spoke about the establishment of an independent electoral commission. He should not wait for that. He should go forward himself with zeal and gusto and reform the Seanad, and he will get support. I commend the Senators for the motion and thank them for putting it forward on the Order Paper.