Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Are we really in such bad company in that regard? We should have a debate on this matter. Will the Leader say whether this House has adopted the sub-committee's report on the reform of Seanad Éireann?

The Labour Party has proposed the sensible idea of holding a full debate on a review of the Constitution in terms of the Presidency, the Dáil and so on the light of current developments. It is not just the Seanad alone that should be part of that review. It is a simplistic suggestion to abolish just Seanad Éireann, which is an important House. I am opposed to the abolition of this House, which I have always respected. When Minister of State, the responses I received in this House to legislation which I brought before it were often better than those I received in the other House. Great contributions were made by Members who are here today and who know what I am talking about.