Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

As a former town councillor, I echo Senator Glynn's comments. I know that both town and county councils are concerned about their future. In the context of the suggested abolition of the Seanad, what protection will there be for local authorities? I was very unhappy at the reference in the budget speech to the proposed abolition of this House. If I never got a second term here, I would have the same view. Rushed legislation is bad legislation and sufficient thought has not been given to this. As Senator Hanafin said, this House does immeasurable work and takes much of the strain off the Dáil. If this House was not here, legislation would take twice as long to get through and the process would be interminable. Hitler decided to burn the Reichstag and while this is more subtle, sufficient thought has not been given to the process. I will oppose this tooth and nail, no matter if it comes from Enda Kenny as Taoiseach or whoever might be leader of Fianna Fáil.