Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our Constitution survived as did our democracy. The Fifth Republic came into being and France ended up with a new constitution on this basis.

In 1973, we had to vote on whether we would give up our independence - we thought - and join the European Economic Community, EEC. We held a referendum and it was a big challenge to our future. We joined the EEC as it was in those days. Our Constitution survived as did our democracy. In 2008, the Minister of State was a Member of the other House and, like everybody, I remember the banking crisis of that year. It threatened our future, our Constitution and our democracy. The economic collapse which occurred in those days and seeking the bailout were major challenges but no abolition day was discussed. Several years later, in the run-up to an election, a man hoping to become Taoiseach sprung this suggestion on us and proposed an abolition day. We are not quite told when this would occur but we know the intention is it will occur.

Our Constitution will survive, as will our democracy, but only if we manage to have checks and balances and ensure we have a second opinion. If a doctor tells me he or she wants me to have a serious operation, I will seek a second opinion. If I go to a lawyer who tells me he or she wants me to go to court, but it will cost a very large sum of money if I lose, I will seek a second opinion. Senator Norris spoke very well today about the second opinion in this House. Senators Zappone, Crown and I have tabled two Bills which have passed Second Stage and they are worthy of consideration. These Bills are with regard to a reformed Seanad. Reform of the Seanad will not take place if we do not vote the correct way on abolition day. I want our democracy and Constitution to survive. This will not happen unless we commit ourselves to where we are going.

The Bill need serious consideration today. Everybody should have a view on it and everybody should speak on it. The Leader has put his heart and soul into the Seanad over the past two and a half years. Sitting more hours today would give all of us an opportunity to debate it and ensure our Constitution and democracy survive by paying serious attention to the detail in the Bill. We must ensure it gets attention today. I hope every Member of the House has an opportunity to speak his or her own mind, particularly those who are party members and obliged to have a Whip. They should be able to speak. Those on the Government side can state they are not in favour of an abolition day being fixed as proposed in section 1 but, as some have already stated, are in favour of holding a referendum so the people can decide. Some have stated they intend to vote "No" and not to campaign in favour of a "Yes" vote. If we argue the case well and make the case clearly, we will put off this abolition day; we will decide there is no need for it because there is a need for a second House which will provide a second opinion and the checks and balances which other nations have.

The United States is a good example. Without having a strong Whip system in its Senate or House of Representatives, its constitution has survived since 1792 and has worked very well. There have been amendments to it but it has not had an abolition day. One of our tasks today is to ensure we debate this and ensure we do not have an abolition day as proposed in section 1 of the Bill. I urge the Minister of State to listen very carefully and I urge the House to consider everything being said. I also urge honesty and integrity from those who speak. We should not shorten the debate.