Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The names that appear after this motion, which I welcome, are those of people who are non-politically active in parliamentary politics. This is no reflection whatsoever on them. I join with those who returned to this House in saying that the collective wisdom of those who have been elected and nominated has considerably enhanced this House. They will be of particular value in promoting the view that the second Chamber should continue to play an effective role in our parliamentary democracy.

I do not take any umbrage with the wording of the motion and I do not oppose it. This Upper House of our parliamentary democracy is primarily a political Chamber, one that is charged with providing the checks and balances required of our parliamentary system to ensure the Government is brought to account through legislation. That is its primary aim although it is not the only function. In order for it to continue to be relevant in our society, it must further enhance its political and parliamentary role in the context of legislation. All of the other issues have, at one time or another, been introduced in this House. I do not suggest the motion is reinventing the wheel but, for those of us who have been here for some time, some of its elements suggest that. We had distinguished visitors to this House on a regular basis.