Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I very much support the views of other Senators that we must debate the integrity of the Seanad vis-À-vis the Dáil. Many issues have been mentioned such as the Civil Partnership Bill and the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, as have many others during the years. The former leader of the Progressive Democrats, Mr. Michael McDowell, announced a few nights ago that he had changed his view on the Seanad. He previously believed it should be abolished but now believes it should remain because it is important. I share his view. Mr. McDowell is a former member of the Fine Gael Party whose leader is still sticking to the notion that the Seanad should be abolished. This is absolutely wrong. We, therefore, need a debate on the integrity of the Seanad. The leader of the main Opposition party-----