Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I am opposed to the abolition of the House, given the contribution that it has made and that it can make in future, provided that Ministers of State know how much power they have. Very few current Ministers of State will accept amendments in the Seanad. I have provided an example of how I, as a relatively young Minister of State for health, could listen to the points being made and take on that responsibility. Was this not a contribution to Irish life? Those two fine, upstanding women politicians were Senators. Nuala Fennell went on to be a Minister of State afterwards, as far as I am aware. Mary Robinson went on-----