Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader of the House for allowing this debate to continue again today. I compliment Senators Quinn and Zappone and all others involved in drawing up this Radical Seanad Reform through Legislative Change consultation paper. I congratulate both Senators on that and no doubt it was not done in one hour, one day or one night.

I acknowledge and compliment the expertise and professionalism of Members from all walks of life in the Seanad and that has an important part to play in the reforming of it. A total of 11 previous reviews of the Seanad have taken place and a common denominator among them is that none of them called for the abolition of the Seanad. Unfortunately, none was acted upon. Reform was the common denominator among them. Legislation must always be critically examined and, as stated by Senator Colm Burke, monitored at an early stage. There must be a second House to do that.

I am one of the 42 new Members of the Seanad and for the first four or five months I asked myself what I was doing here and if I was here to listen to the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach or whoever was in the Chair being totally ignored by my fellow Senators. Having been involved in a local authority for nearly 30 years and having chaired councils and regional bodies, I state categorically that I have never been involved in a forum where the words and rulings of the Cathaoirleach, or those of the Acting Chairman, on many occasions have not been listened to or adhered to. We could begin by reforming ourselves by acting responsibly. I have never interfered with the ruling of the Cathaoirleach - he may have intervened when I have spoken but I do not believe he has. We should start reforming by becoming more mannerly in this House.

I once again congratulate Senators Zappone and Quinn and those involved in drawing up this paper.

It is a great starting point for all Members, which they must contemplate and consider. On foot of the contributions made in this House by Senators Zappone and Quinn, I must state that as a new Senator, they are two of those to whom I listen each time they speak. I congratulate them for this consultation paper and look forward to implementing and discussing many of the changes contained therein. A great point has been made in respect of the question of costs for the Seanad and for the spiritual advisers to Ministers. I note we are running neck and neck and ask whether there is better value for money from the Seanad than from some spiritual advisers to Ministers, who as far as I am concerned are in receipt of extraordinary and unbelievable salaries.