Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Today's session, on a Saturday, has been an historic occasion. The passing of the Finance Bill is good reason why the Seanad exists and can work well. This has been a difficult process, marked by the contents of the Bill in which none of us can take any great pleasure. If we were all to be honest, the passing of the Bill does a favour for the incoming government in allowing it avoid much of the heavy lifting and difficult decisions that have now been taken and that will be made as a result. I hope that is admitted eventually, if not before the election campaign, because history needs to record such facts.

The passing of the Bill has been difficult in the sense that tempers get frayed, voices are raised and things are said, not always in this Chamber, but sometimes nearby. It is not always understood that having left Government, some Members are part of an independent and capable party that will on occasion make independent decisions. This is something that seems beyond understanding currently, but I hope this will pass. I do not want to leave this Chamber being confronted and told directly that my party is responsible for the state of the country. Knowing that is a story and narrative that has gained currency, the challenge for us in the Green Party as we face the electorate is to say we have done what we have done in Government, believing it to be the right thing to do for the reason that it was in the best interest of the country. If the people decide otherwise, as democrats we will accept that. We have been happy and proud to contribute to the work in this House and to the workings of Government. If that is misunderstood, history will record its verdict.

I support the comments made by Senator Alex White with regard to the Cathaoirleach, the staff of the Seanad, the leaders of the political groups and the Leader of the House, with whom I enjoyed a fairly cordial working relationship, which lent itself to the proper organisation of business in the House.

I hope the incoming Administration understands that the House has 90 days of life left and they should be working days. Legislation has been published on which debates have started and the House can complete their passage for the incoming Dáil. I like to think the incoming Administration will use the House to further such legislation.