Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I would like to add my voice to the protests against the arrangements that are being made for the debate on the constitutional conference. It is extraordinary that the debate will last just an hour, with one Senator from each side being allowed to speak. It seems that the future of the Seanad is being totally excluded from the debate. I imagine that my colleagues on the other side of the House are ashamed of what is going on. They are probably not able to articulate it as freely as we can. Some of them expressed their feelings by not voting the last time this issue arose. They disgraced themselves by not participating in the debate that subsequently took place. They are now proposing to disgrace themselves again. Not only are they muzzling themselves, but they are attempting to muzzle us as well. We will not be muzzled on this issue because it is too important. As Senator Norris said, this is an honourable institution. Many eminent people have sat in these seats before us. What is going on is not only a slur on this Seanad, but it is also a slur on previous Seanaid. All I have to say is that the Seanad will not go without a fight.