Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

When Ministers come into this House, they are not doing us a favour, they are carrying out their constitutional obligations. The Government is accountable to this House. At some stage in the short to medium-term, we may have a referendum on the future of the Seanad, a campaign I am looking forward to. Until then, however, it is imperative this House is treated with absolute respect. We are not second rate or second hand politicians and the thousand county councillors and the tens of thousands of university graduates who elect the majority of Senators are not second rate electors. It is imperative that we are treated with respect and I share the sentiments of my colleagues who were disappointed by events yesterday. That must not occur again. A strong statement must go from this House to Ministers and Government that they are not doing us a favour by coming in here to engage and respond to our debates; they are carrying out their constitutional duties. Until such time as the Irish people decide on the future of the Seanad, it is vital for that full engagement to continue. We cannot replay yesterday but we must learn from it. If one word should be on the Government agenda in its relationship with the Seanad, it should be "respect".