Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I prefer the views of those who participate in the process, irrespective of the parties or individuals for whom they vote. I have some extremely old-fashioned views. Anyone who knows me would state that I would never say something in this House which I would not also say outside. The only difference is that I am making pronouncements on the opposite side of the House from that which I occupied for the past 19 years.

For the reasons I have outlined, I cannot accept these amendments. There is a great deal of merit in the proposals that have been put forward. I do not decry the efforts of the various speakers to put forward their very positive and constructive views. The Bill only deals with three issues. It is merely a start. We are at the stage of the acorn and it will be a long time before the oak tree matures. I hope that during its lifetime the Government will achieve the various reforms to which Senators on all sides, including the Independents, referred. I also hope I will be around to play a constructive role in ensuring that what people legitimately want will be realised. At the same time, it is important that we do not throw the baby out with the bath water. We must engage in careful reflection before we proceed. I am secure in the knowledge that the major decision on whether this State has a unicameral or bicameral system of parliamentary democracy will reside with the people. We should all draw comfort from that.