Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the views expressed on the proposed abolition of the Seanad. The Leader might keep in mind the possibility of allowing further debate on this issue because it asks a very fundamental question pertaining to democracy. Why is misleading information being given by a senior Minister? We are really talking about the protection of democracy at this time. There should be some mechanism, whereby we would not have to get through Report Stage and say that was the end of the matter. There is an opportunity in this House to delay the process and we should use it. On many occasions we have not done so because we did not want to be seen to be obstructive or destructive just for the sake of it. This is a much more fundamental issue. When we enter the silly season of the summer, the referendum will be right on top of us. The reason I am making any contribution and making my request to the Leader is that, over the weekend in the part of the country I was visiting, I was approached by several people who wanted to discuss the proposed referendum. They were asking questions that had not been debated or put before them. The worst thing that could happen is that there would be a smokescreen. It is an insult to the people who will be voting in the referendum. We can postpone this legislation for 90 days. Let people reflect on it and let the debate take place. Let us confront those responsible for providing misleading and inaccurate information. We should do so because we are not answerable to the Minister but to the people.