Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator John Crown, Mr. Shane Conneely and Ms Aoife Casey on the work they have done. Sadly, we might as well be kicking a football out on the lawn. This is the 21st time I have participated in a debate on the issue of Seanad reform. It is 11 years since I first made a submission on the issue and I am sure Senators David Norris and Feargal Quinn could go even further back.

The problem with the Seanad has never been Senators. I have never known a Senator who was not an avid enthusiast not just of reform but of radical reform. We sometimes become frustrated and believe people are not listening to us. The truth of this can be seen in looking at the press gallery. I guarantee that nobody is listening to anything we are saying on this issue today, despite the best efforts of Mr. Conneely, Ms Casey, Senator John Crown and others.

The problem with the reform of the Seanad has always been the hierarchy of Fianna Fáil, the hierarchy of Fine Gael and the hierarchy of the Labour Party. They have abused the House as a vehicle for also-rans or as a breaking ground for new talent. As a political Member of the House, I have always taken my responsibilities seriously. As a former CEO of a chamber of commerce and having established businesses during the years, I am probably more qualified than most to be on the Industrial and Commercial Panel. I am qualified in terms of being able to do this.

The problem here is not what Senator Maurice Cummins thinks, what I think or, frankly, what the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, thinks. The leadership of the day determines the usefulness or uselessness of this House. The Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, will admit some day that they decided not only to play the political man rather than the political ball which we can fully understand in politics, but also to dig up the pitch purely in the interests of getting votes. I will never understand it. If the people are asked to vote "Yes" or "No", they will bury the Seanad because of the actions of the Taoiseach and the Minister rather than as a result of any of actions of the Members of this House which are never covered by the media. Shame on them for allowing us to tear up democracy and the institutions of the State.