David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

He says it is €2.4 million per year. If the Senators opposite feel so strongly that the money is needed, they should leave or stay and shame themselves but without taking their pay. They have voted to say they are not worth it. Why are they staying? Why do they not buzz off?

I am glad to say I have had an apology from the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton. However, the real insult he delivered was in saying those who called for reform now wanted the 75 year search for a purpose for this ineffective institution to continue. He said those who had refused to change the Seanad over so many years and were now calling for reform rather than abolition really meant more of the same. He said he was not persuaded by the new-found appetite for reform and believed the public would see the belated calls for what they were. It was a dirty, calculated little smear. I was surprised to see this from the Minister who is a decent individual. Probably, some minion wrote it for him. He should retract his statement and I call on him to retract it in its entirety. It is a disgrace and a lie from beginning to end. Any decent person would be ashamed of it.

I am very happy to support Senator Barrett. I very much regret that we will be stifled, guillotined and muzzled in the House. Let the Irish people take note that this is what is in store when the dictatorship in the Lower House takes over. There will be no mercy. Those people are ruthless. Let us look at the way the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, eliminated Deputy Richard Bruton. He may not be that intelligent but by God he is ruthless.