Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to this historic Chamber. Sadly, this debate is an inauspicious occasion. The Taoiseach appointed me to Seanad Éireann, aware that I would be an independent voice. My views on the future of Seanad Éireann have been formed with an effort to be free, constructive and critical. I am grateful to the Taoiseach for the opportunity to do so. I imagine he expects nothing less.

The Taoiseach's proposal to abolish the Seanad is ill-conceived and will not only damage our democracy, but also this country's prospect of economic recovery and social sustainability.