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

I cannot do much about the naming of constituencies. As I said in the other House, if I changed the name of a constituency, it would be deemed that I had interfered with the independence of the commission and the right of its learned people. The commission panel comprises very independent people. If I change the name of a constituency, a Senator could also say that I had interfered with the independence of the commission's report in some way. I do not want to interfere with it.

Senator Harte addressed some of the issues about local government that were raised by Senator Cullinane. Local government is different depending on which side of the Border one is on. Senator Cullinane should demonstrate more consistency and less conspiratorial action regarding these matters.

I am not abolishing the Seanad. The people of Ireland will decide it they wish to change the Oireachtas and it is not my sole remit to do so. Every citizen will have an opportunity to have their say in whether they agree or disagree with the proposition in due course. That is the ultimate situation. I hope that I have responded to all of the issues raised by the Senators.