Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Clearly it was also a populist decision in Fianna Fáil when it was trying to retrieve some sort of connection with the people. In fairness, the leader of Fianna Fáil has been forthright in his position on reform. I have also been forthright in saying that I will not be voting in favour of the abolition of the Seanad. It would be hypocritical of any Member of this House to say they will be voting in favour of the abolition of the Seanad and to continue taking a salary. I am certainly not going to be hypocritical. I do not intend campaigning either way. If I am asked for my personal view in any forum, public or private, I have no problem with and no hesitation in articulating it in as much detail as people are prepared to listen to.

I believe that this House is probably working at half mast in its current form. There is so much potential that could be achieved. Senator Crown has put forward a very articulate case on a number of different fronts that the Seanad and its personnel would be of huge benefit to the political system in certain circumstances. I am of the view that this Seanad is probably a better Seanad than the ones preceding it.

There are 42 new Senators with the Senators who were re-elected and are extremely capable. Senator Mark Daly and I have worked very closely on the whole issue of the undocumented Irish in the past year, the impetus for which has come from the Seanad. I salute Senator Daly who has led the charge in that field.

Senator John Crown is an expert in the whole area of health, while Senator Sean D. Barrett is an expert in the area of transport economics and economics in general. Much strategic thinking goes into the amendments proposed by Senator Barrett which, to a large extent, the Government takes on board. It may not accept the amendments and may need to tidy up technical amendments but the overall thrust of the amendments has influenced legislation significantly. It may not be overtly done but it is covertly done. Legislation that has passed through the Houses in the past couple of years has been enriched and enhanced as a result of the contributions of all Senators but particularly Senator Barrett in the whole area of economics. Had more of his amendments been accepted, it is possible that legislation would be even more enhanced and enriched, specifically the Taxi Regulation Bill which passed through recently. I was present for much of the deliberations on that legislation which was insightful and informed Members who may not be up to speed on that issue of a new way of doing business. I tabled a motion which was unanimously accepted by the House in the area of restorative justice. That is an issue that would be dealt with in the Dáil as time would not permit.