Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Those are very robust views from Senator Norris which I would expect.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the Seanad this evening as it gives me a chance to clarify the Government's position on the Seanad and to outline more generally the reform measures that have been taken by the Government in the past two years. Despite numerous reports over the years, we have not succeeded in achieving all-party agreement on substantive reform of the Seanad. There have been eight reports on Seanad reform since 1943, the most recent in 2004. None led to programmes of radical reform. It is fair to say, therefore, that the political system to date has not embraced wholesale change of the House. In fairness to Senator Crown and the efforts of others before him, it is difficult to achieve consensus where there can be a variety of views on complex and multifaceted issues.

The programme for Government included a commitment to holding a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. This is a difficult and major reform proposal by the Government and, of course, there will be different views as to whether it is the correct approach. The referendum on the Seanad is a continuation of that reforming agenda. Ultimately, it is an issue that should and will be decided by the people. The Taoiseach has repeatedly indicated his intention to proceed with this referendum. Indeed, earlier today, he confirmed the Government's commitment to the referendum being held in this coming autumn. In the Programme for Government: Annual Report 2013, launched by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste this morning, it is confirmed that preparations for the referendum are under way and that Government has approved the drafting of a referendum Bill, which will be published in the next session. In that context it would be difficult to accept this Bill when the Government has decided to put a different proposal to the people. Against that background, I do not propose to conduct a forensic analysis of Senator Crown's Bill but I commend him on putting forward some very interesting proposals on reforming this House and extending its franchise.

The Government has committed to a radical overhaul of the way Irish politics and Government work. The programme for Government outlined an ambitious programme for political reform. The record of the progress that has been made to date is there for everyone to see in the programme report published today by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste. The Government has already introduced and implemented new political funding legislation which includes an effective ban on corporate political donations. We have provided for a reduction in the number of Members of the Dáil. At the next general election, political parties will be required to select at least 30% women and 30% men candidates or face losing half their State funding. Seven years from the general election where this provision first applies, this will rise to 40%. We have set a time limit of six months on the holding of by-elections. We have brought into effect reduced spending limits at presidential elections.