Mark Dearey (Green Party)

There are occasions when we give our opponents a stick to beat us with and these are errors we could avoid. Even in the restricted context of the present situation, we could generate a much more positive impression of the Seanad.

Overall, the wider framework of political reform is the context in which a much more radical overhaul of Seanad procedures and functions should be considered. In that context, I will support the amendment which the speech delivered by the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, explained quite well.