Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 94, paragraph 7 reads:

The first major issue to be confronted, therefore, is the social and political basis of the composition of a new Seanad. We have already pointed to some of the peculiar features of this body. It is important, however, also to recall the history of Seanad Éireann. This body came into existence as part of a formal agreement in 1922 between the new Irish government and representatives of southern unionists (though, of course, it might well have come into existence in any case even without this pressure). At least in its early years, it played an important representative role in reconciling this minority to life in independent Ireland. There is therefore a case for looking carefully at the capacity of the Seanad to act as a voice for special groups that might otherwise be kept at a distance from Irish political life, such as representatives of the Irish abroad, of marginal groups within Irish society and, depending on certain very delicate constitutional and institutional matters that it would be dangerous to prejudge, of the two communities in Northern Ireland.

Unfortunately and regrettably the principle set out in the report was never actually realised. Although it was an aspiration in 1922, I do not believe it was ever completely or properly fulfilled. There was some tinkering around the edges.

Page 94, paragraph 8 reads:

The second major issue to be confronted is that of giving the Seanad new powers that do not overlap with those of the Dáil. These might include the review of senior public appointments or the conduct of tribunals of enquiry, as well as a number of others.

Why this was never embarked on puzzles me. Some of the tribunals that cost hundreds of millions of euro with little or no results could very well have been dealt with in this Chamber. Just as with the committee chaired by Deputy Buttimer, this Chamber could have been put to greater use for work on that area. The report also states:

The net result could well be an Irish political system that was more transparent and accountable, which almost everyone (at least almost everyone outside the core executive) would regard as a good thing. We therefore suggest that very serious consideration indeed be given to the possibility of giving the Seanad new powers that do not overlap with those of the Dáil.

That was never done and our party can take some if not much of the blame.

The Cathaoirleach will be glad to note that I am coming to the end of my tether.