Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I welcome the debate allowed by the motion tabled by Sinn Féin. Senator Cullinane argued on behalf of Sinn Féin for change in the political system and all its various facets but then advocated no change in the Dáil, not putting to the Irish people a referendum on the Seanad, and no change in local government structures, although much is happening with regard to local government in the North of Ireland where Sinn Féin is in government.