Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise but that was what I understood from him. I have approximately one minute left. Is it not the case the Government does this in respect of referendums put to the people? Is this not the case in respect of the forthcoming children's referendum? Much analysis, committee meetings, reports, etc., went into the preparation of this referendum. However, no such analysis and preparation have been undertaken by the Government in respect of the referendum promised on the Seanad. Does this not go contrary to the careful, intelligent and responsible approach the Government has taken with regard to the children's referendum? Does this not indeed go contrary to responsible governance and, furthermore, is it not usually the case that the Government puts something to the people in which it believes and for which it has made a case?

Instead, what I believe I am hearing from the Taoiseach, as well as from many Members of this House, is to let the people decide. On the one hand, many Members have argued for reform but on the other, they are not putting reform to the people. Does taking the route thus chosen by them constitute responsible government? If such Members are in favour of reform, why do they not consider radical Seanad reform through legislation? Our document makes proposals for such reform and with regard to a more democratic Seanad, we have outlined our preferences for a universal franchise for the panel seats. The Leader has stated he is convinced the public will not support a Chamber for as long as they have no say in who is elected to it. While I agree with him, the Leader then went on to state the matter, that is, how people are elected to the Seanad, "will have to be agreed well in advance of any referendum". This is precisely what our proposals have set out to do. This is precisely the reason Senator Quinn and I have called for the Government to put aside its proposals for a referendum until this House and the Lower House have had a chance to debate a Bill that can bring about radical reform of the Seanad through legislation. This would be the responsible and rational approach, after which Members could begin to have a proper debate, which the people deserve from their public representatives, on how to ensure the best possible way to use and to balance the public power that has been given to Members. The urgency for reform is now and it will not be there after a referendum.