Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a power which is relatively rare in upper houses in parliaments across the world in that we have the power to initiate legislation. In many parliaments throughout Europe the upper house does not have the power to initiate legislation; it is merely a revising chamber. We are more than a revising chamber and Senator Quinn has taken the purpose of the Seanad under the Constitution and actioned it in a most important area. We can have all the debates and the talking shops we want but we are not a talking shop. We are a Legislature and we should legislate and come to the best possible view among ourselves in response to this matter.

We will support this legislation if Senator Quinn chooses to put it to a vote. He operates in a very friendly manner and tends not to cause offence. He tries to get consensus but the Senator has a great deal of experience and having taken on advice it will be a pity if the Government says that further examination is needed. The only examination needed under law is an examination by the Oireachtas. Senator Quinn has done a significant amount of work on this and we will continue that examination in the course of this debate. He calls for all Stages to be taken today. I support that call and I applauded him when he said it, but we do not believe in that. Legislation should be examined carefully but that does not mean it should be delayed; it should be done as soon as possible but put this Bill through Committee and Report Stages could be done quickly. It is our opinion that counts, not those of officials in Departments.

I understand they were helpful, nonetheless, to Senator Quinn and I hope the Government will support this Bill and allow it to complete Second Stage. That would rectify this wrong, which still places a considerable burden on people. There must be a balance between giving rights and not allowing the flood gates to open. Senator Quinn has very carefully addressed the balance and produced equitable legislation which we should all be able to support.