Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before I cut to the chase, to borrow the Leader's phrase, I thank Senators Katherine Zappone and Feargal Quinn for their excellent work and effort in drawing up their proposal for Seanad reform. It will prove a useful document for the furtherance of this important debate. However, I am obliged to reiterate the position I have made clear, namely, that I do not believe we should be having this debate in House time. Instead, I suggest, it should be held outside the House. Senator Quinn referred to the disillusionment among the public with politics, the political system and politicians. We have all experienced that to a greater or lesser extent. However, setting that consideration aside, I have a clear view that it is not the business of the House to be discussing this issue.