David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ten reports were published and a previous Government even had a referendum passed, yet successive Governments did sweet bugger all about them for 70 years. Senators elected to the university seats demanded reform and asked what we could do. We cannot take over the Government and force it to act. Every single Government and party corrupted this House but still this brave little ship, with its tattered sails, which was holed without being properly corked and deliberately leaked by those blaggards in their corrupt interests, sailed through the storms and held firm in its own way for the Irish people. I honour it for that.

Other countries from around the globe which have abolished their senates have been brought into the debate. It is no wonder the Taoiseach did not mention Mr. Mugabe. The first thing Mr. Mugabe did in Zimbabwe was abolish the country's senate. Perhaps the Taoiseach sees himself not only in the mould of a little Napoleon but also in another guise.

I note that even today a Bill proposed by Senator Zappone and others was accepted. The Leader started his contribution by referring to Dáil reform. That is rubbish and I do not believe a word of it. He stated 14 Dáil committees will be established. Of course they will because they will provide jobs for the boys.

Jobs for the boys, jobs for the boys, jobs for the boys. This is what the Irish people vote for - jobs for the bloody boys. The same boys who dragged us into the ruins of this economy.

It is claimed that the Taoiseach would not bring in a Bill on flimsy grounds or off the top of his head but that is exactly what he did. I was here and I saw it. I saw the face of the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. Members should ask the Minister if our wonderful, open-hearted Taoiseach ever let her know what was going on.