Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I hope this will not be the final Order of Business of the 23rd Seanad. Should the incoming Government so decide, we should take the opportunity to pass more outstanding legislation. Not least among that is the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, which was drafted by Senator Quinn. There are two months during which we could properly close up shop prior to the holding of the Seanad election. This should be a working Parliament and I challenge the incoming Government, however it is formed, to use the remaining time available to the Seanad productively by ensuring it passes legislation.

I agree with previous speakers, particularly Senator O'Toole, that the forthcoming general election should focus much more on Ireland as a society rather than Ireland as an economy. Even though much of it was aimed at individuals and particular parties, the criticism levelled at the political system also represents a judgment on politics in general. Politics in general presents a reflection on the society in which we live. Unfortunately, greed, self-centredness and self-aggrandisement all exist in society. We should use the general election campaign to utter a few home truths regarding how we need to improve not only politics but also the way in which we interact with each other in society. The way society operates informs the type of political system that exists. Rather than seeking cheap votes and telling people what they wish to hear, the general election campaign should be used as an opportunity to reflect on the position in which Ireland finds itself in 2011. I hope every candidate will seize this opportunity and that all political parties will produce manifestos that are based on reality.

I agree with the comments made by previous speakers in respect of those who have offered assistance and who have contributed to the work of the 23rd Seanad. There has been an ongoing and fairly false debate regarding the relevance and importance of the House. When we look back at this period in history, particularly in light of decisions that have been made elsewhere by the Executive and in the Lower House, those in this House will be able to state they took the decisions that needed to be taken and that they did so in a way that tried to avoid, as often as possible, the type of narrow mindset that has bedevilled politics in this country in the past.