Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Would it not be wonderful for us not to guarantee the future of the Seanad or try to prove ourselves but to show that humanity does not recognise political demarcation? That is what we have to show. This is one case in which we should do that. It is notable that out of all the austere elements in the budget one rises to the top, lifted by humanity throughout the entire country. Senator Darragh O'Brien made the point this morning that he has not met one single person in his constituency or otherwise who agrees with what is happening here, even though all those constituents are suffering.

I make two pleas today. First, we should stand together as a body of people who are committed to doing what is right. Second, by all means give support to the Minister whom I admire, but let us hope that in the new year there will be an announcement that this issue has been revisited and for once we have stood up and did what was decent and dignified for our own people. This may be the last opportunity to do it. We are the last bulwark in this regard. We should not misuse or abuse that today but do what is right.