Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

It is useful to have a debate on political reform because we must always ask ourselves how we can do our business better. I have to agree with previous speakers that politics in this country has not worked in the past ten years. I agree with the suggestion that we are over-represented. I know people do not like to hear that, but I do believe that 166 Deputies are too many for a country our size. I commend the Minister for at least having made a start on political reform within months of entering office.

The Good Friday Agreement is an important document that was passed almost unanimously by the Irish people, I believe the "Yes" vote was over 85% of those who voted. It set an important framework for progress and we have seen the benefits of it.

In terms of where we go from here, what the Government is proposing in its amendment is very prudent. The constitutional convention - the first such body to be established in a long time - will examine our electoral system in a root-and-branch fashion. If the debate on the abolition of the Seanad does nothing other than encourage discussion, it will have done enough. We are all in agreement that the Seanad has not worked in recent years. A former Senator, Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition, now President of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maurice Manning, offered an interesting critique in the Chamber last week of the history of the House, going back to the 1922 Senate. The latter epitomised everything that was good about an Upper House in terms of the individuals concerned, the broad spectrum of opinion and the various interests represented.

The 1937 Constitution created the House we have today. As Dr. Manning observed, fantastic people have served on all sides of the House through the years, including such illustrious individuals as the late Gordon Wilson. However, the reality for this country today is that we are no longer in control of our financial sovereignty. As such, we are obliged to examine every form and aspect of society to see where savings can be made and how every element of the State can work better. It is possible to have a political and administrative system which is more efficient and less costly for citizens.

The constitutional convention will create a national conversation in which people from all walks of life can engage. Let the report be a framework for progress that will assist in dealing with the problems our country faces. We must also seek to make politics more relevant, particularly for younger people. Unfortunately, my generation and those which follow are extremely apathetic. The percentage of young people who turn out to vote is a cause of great concern. These are the future leaders of our society. I would favour an examination by the constitutional convention of all aspects of our political system, including not only the system of Seanad elections, but also the system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote, PR-STV, for Dáil elections. As part of this we should examine best international practice and look to what our European colleagues are doing.

I am confident this Government will not allow another report on reform to gather dust. The Government has already proven from the initiatives it has taken since taking office that when a report is produced, its recommendations will be implemented. We are at a crucial time in our history and entering a crucial time in our politics. The constitutional convention will frame politics for the next 100 years. We must get it right by ensuring there is full inclusiveness, with people from all aspects of society involved in the process. Let the national conversation begin with a view to attaining better politics and a far better country.