Tony Mulcahy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today a Government Minister misled the people of Ireland, in making a statement that up to €20 million a year, and up to €100 million over five years, would be saved by the abolition of the Seanad. Before 7 p.m. on Wednesday I want a report on how €20 million a year will be saved to be laid before the House. To state that the money saved could be spent on people with disabilities, among others, is an absolute insult to the intelligence of the people of this country.

Figures cannot be fired around flippantly. I was absolutely livid when I heard such flippant remarks today. A figure of €400,000 per constituency was referred to, as if we had any intention of spending money in such a manner. We cannot do it because the abolition of the House will not save that much money. All that will be saved are the salaries of Senators. We said this last week. I want the statement to be qualified before 7 p.m. on Wednesday. It is only right that, before the Bill is put before the electorate, the actual breakdown of where the savings will be made is put on the record of the House. Today's statement is an absolute lie.