Katherine Zappone (Independent)

I refer to yesterday's debate on the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the apparent need to conclude Committee Stage yesterday. It is reported in today's edition of The Irish Times that the Taoiseach's nominees, Senator van Turnhout and I, voted with the Opposition in a division on the passing of Committee Stage. That is one way of interpreting what we did. However, I discussed this with my colleague and the meaning of what we did was to vote in favour of the significance and crucial importance of the Seanad and its primary role in scrutinising legislation.