Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Walsh is right. It will put it in before the budget and use it to try to divert the people from the decisions the Government will be taking in the budget.

A number of years ago, the Taoiseach famously said, "Paddy likes to know". Paddy does know. The Irish citizen knows and is not stupid. The Taoiseach should never underestimate the intelligence of the electorate. When this constitutional amendment is debated - if we are given time to debate it and the Government does not try to ram it through in two weeks, as it probably will - the flaws in what is being proposed will be seen by the people.

The fact that a deeply unfair Social Welfare Bill the Government put through earlier this year was not defeated in this House is still a great regret of mine. A Bill that was cutting disability allowances and the respite care grant was only passed by one vote. However, I believe the Government got a fright that day and over the course of that week. Most of the Seanad stood up for the people in what they saw were deeply unfair cuts being made, particularly to the respite care grant. I believe the Taoiseach got a fright and has decided to go on a solo run disguised as reform. He claims to be the champion of reform by abolishing one third of the Oireachtas.

I accused him of it on the last day and I accuse him of it again. I accuse the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and the Government of constitutional vandalism. It is tearing asunder Bunreacht na hÉireann for a potential political gain of its own. It is very easy to hang 60 politicians out to dry by claiming they cost €50 million and should be got rid of. They do not cost €50 million. The cost of running this House is approximately €8 million. What does a referendum cost? The children's rights referendum cost more than €14.7 million. That is what it will cost the Exchequer and it will be a diversion.