Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan. As others have done, I also commend Senator John Crown for the immense amount of work he has put into drafting this detailed Bill. I am aware that it can be difficult to draft a Private Members' Bill, particularly one dealing with a technical matter, and he has done a tremendous job.

It is both welcome and useful to debate the issue of Seanad reform. It is no secret that my personal view is that it would be preferable to reform the Seanad rather than to abolish it. I have spoken on the issue many times in the House and elsewhere.