Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The point I was making on the nominations is that while I was elected through a Fianna Fáil nomination process, my vocational responsibilities here are to industry and as I said, 90% of the Members of the Dáil would not be qualified to talk about industry in the way I can because in that House there is a disproportionate number, with no disrespect to the profession or the contributions of the people, of lawyers and teachers whereas in this House there is a diversity of participants from all walks of life whether it is academia, agriculture, industry and so on. That is vitally important.

Any reform should take cognisance of this, while at the same time tapping into the benefits, as suggested in the report, some of which could be realised by the likes of former Taoiseach John Bruton and even our great current Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, when he becomes a former Taoiseach, a day for which all no doubt yearn.

The election of the Cathaoirleach is mentioned, and I am sure the Cathaoirleach made a submission in 2002, as I did, that the functions of the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann should mirror those of the Ceann Comhairle instead of playing second fiddle. The Cathaoirleach is responsible for preserving order, and I would hate to fall foul of this when trying to explain my point on section 1. The Cathaoirleach also interprets Standing Orders and ensures the decisions of the Seanad are made in a proper manner. The Cathaoirleach is also an ex officiomember of the Council of State. When the Seanad is abolished who will constitute the Council of State?