Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Then we would have an acceptable third level graduate franchise. I will not make any claims about the particular contribution the university senators have made during the years; they have simply done their duty. However, it further brings the Houses and our system of government into disrepute that we had a referendum in 1979 providing for the introduction of legislation that would widen it and it still has not happened. It is embarrassing for every university Senator when we canvass people whose degree is as good as our own but who cannot vote in Seanad elections because of an out-of-date system.

We are very fortunate in some of the Senators we have, not only those on the university benches; they come through this rather corrupt and outdated system. We are very fortunate to have Members such as the Acting Chairman, Senator Ormonde, whom I have heard make very interesting and insightful points on a range of issues. The same goes for Senator O'Malley and the Leader. The fact is they come through a system which is unjustifiable. We just happen to be lucky. We all know there is another side to the way in which Senators are elected from the other panels which involves from time to time patronage and other things about which we should not speak too much lest we anger the public even more.

Let us have a serious attitude in favour of necessary change. Let us take seriously the anger and be more philosophical about the way our democracy is working. Let us be honest enough to say that just because we have always done it this way does not make it right. Why not have genuine engagement by the Government and the Houses on making the Seanad more fit for purpose and regaining some of the trust and respect of the public, to which we would be entitled if we were working in the way we should?