Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This House is still in order and has not yet been removed from the Constitution. That will not happen until the people make their decision. If they decide to abolish the Seanad, we will have to vacate this Chamber. I do not see why we are vacating it next Tuesday to accommodate any joint committee dealing with any issue. I register my protest in this regard and absolutely resent what is being done.

The Leader of the House proposed some time ago that the Order of Business in this House would be covered live on television. Has any progress been made in that regard? The coverage given to the Seanad on "Oireachtas Report" is excellent. A very balanced approach is taken to all Members. Each side of the House is given due recognition when there is a report on the Order of Business or other business dealt with. While I have not timed it, I would definitely say the Seanad is not given the same percentage of coverage given to the Dáil. Given that both Houses are equal in the Oireachtas at this point, they should receive the same amount of coverage. As "Oireachtas Report" is broadcast so late at night - it is usually broadcast between 11 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. - I suggest it be rebroadcast the following morning also. According to figures released some time ago, approximately 60,000 people watch "Oireachtas Report", quite a high percentage. The point is that the public would have a better opportunity to view it if it were broadcast the following day also.