Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is appropriate that he is here as he is the new Lord Castlereagh in this abolition of the Seanad. He has taken on the role played by Lord Castlereagh in 1800, with the one difference being that he is not wining and dining Members at Dublin Castle. Members at the time were given large quantities of the best quality sherry and food before being brought to the Irish House of Commons to vote in accordance with Lord Castlereagh's wishes. The winning margin was one vote. I do not believe the Minister of State has yet reached that stage.

It is absolutely essential that all 60 Members in this House have an opportunity to contribute to the most important Bill to come before this House since its foundation.