Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It would be a pity, however, if, in the usual frenzy at election time, we were to detract from this. I am also saddened by the suggestion that this House may be abolished. I do not know what the future holds but many people, when they get the opportunity to think about it, will realise the check this House has kept on many aspects of public life without fear, favour or any indication of partisanship. I hope this will form part of the debate on the role of the House.

The economy is like a wheel coming around. One never stays at the top; one never stays at the bottom. While we are at the bottom coming back up to the top, I hope we do not make the mistake of having a short-term solution of abolishing an arm of Parliament.