Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

We have a flawed system of democracy in terms of the manner in which the Seanad is constituted. The report of the sub-committee on Seanad reform is a wonderful document prepared under the chairmanship of former Deputy and Leader of this House, Ms Mary O'Rourke, with the assistance of many Members of the current Seanad. It states on page 26 that one of the problems - this was accepted by the Seanad - is that the Seanad has no distinctive role in the Irish political system. The reason for this is the major gap between the average citizen and Seanad Éireann. I again ask, of what is the Government afraid? Why not openly discuss this reform? I have been a Member of this House for 12 months now. Reform is very slow. I accept the bona fides of the Leader and that he has delivered some change but reform of this House has been on a basis which has made no necessary connection. The media is often blamed for not giving enough attention to what is done in this House. I believe we do a good job and that if there was reform, in particular around election and reflection of a broader section of Irish society, we could do a better job.

I am disturbed by Fine Gael and Labour's deliberate opposition to the notion that 66 citizens within a constitutional convention, along with 33 politicians, 2:1, cannot have a deliberative, safe and informed debate around reform of Seanad Éireann. My fear is - I believe this will come true - that the proposal on abolition of the Seanad will go to a referendum without any prior deliberative process. If the result of the referendum is "No", the Seanad will be abolished. If the result is "Yes", there is no promise of reform.