Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know that is not the main point. The Minister of State thinks the quality of Irish democracy would be improved, but I think it will be undermined. There will be a lot more people like Deputy Peter Mathews trying to contribute in this House, yet they will be excluded by the way the committee system is run.

I have served on the National Economic and Social Council and other State boards. I have experienced them all but nothing compares with this Chamber, including the Order of Business, for how one can get ideas to the Government quickly. I ask the Minister of State not to throw it away. I again appeal to Government Senators not to support this measure. They should come out and support this wonderful Chamber. The Taoiseach is probably unaware of it, but Senators - and more particularly the 42 new Senators - have done a fine job for this country. Of course, the Seanad should be retained.