Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I join Senator Hanafin in calling for a debate on political reform in general and on reform of the Seanad in particular. Such debates must take place in the context of overall political reform. Politics must be examined from local level up to Presidential level. Examining the position of the Seanad in isolation is the wrong way to proceed. As Members of this House, this is a matter upon which we must focus. It is important, therefore, that the debate in question should take place prior to the general election. There is great uncertainty with regard to the Seanad as matters stand and there will be enormous uncertainty if a new Government comes to power following the election. It is important, therefore, to lay down a marker and engage in the relevant debate before the general election campaign begins in earnest.

Senator Twomey made some extraordinary comments and seemed to suggest that the Government in general and the Green Party in particular are taking the easy option of saving the planet. I do not believe that saving the planet is an easy option. The Senator appeared to state that we should save Ireland before saving the planet. On what planet does Senator Twomey live if he believes Ireland can exist independently of the remainder of the Earth. Perhaps he would like all of us to emigrate to Mars. Saving the planet is far from an easy option. If the Senator believes that saving the planet would be easy, I would love to see him try.