Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

It is disloyal. Loyalty comes into the equation. That is something I would like to see dealt with.

As an example, the Senate in the French Parliament operates in the same way as this one. I read about this only the other night. It performs an important role as does the Seanad. We scrutinise legislation and ensure this is done to such a degree that no mistakes are made. From that point of view the Seanad is worthwhile.

The only point I would make is that the Seanad does not receive sufficient coverage from the national broadcaster. It is time we sought to promote ourselves and the House in a way that the people can discover what we are about. For example, the Order of Business in the Seanad should be broadcast live. I would like to see that happening. The Leader has made efforts in this regard.

Senator Ross made a point about the university panel but I do not believe everybody is zoning in on that aspect. We have respect for each other. I see nothing wrong with that system although others might disagree with me. To be honest, I would leave well enough alone. We should not have reform merely for the sake of it, to ensure we look good in the public eye and that we are doing something. There is no point in fixing something if it is not broken. I shall leave it at that.