Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a right to know if this money spent is beneficial. The Minister may have an explanation as to how the money spent on the programme is making a difference to any citizen.

If the abolition of the Seanad is about saving money, then we should examine all of the moneys spent by the Government. As Michael McDowell stated in his article, if the Seanad were to be abolished, the cost saving per year to each citizen would be €1.60, less than the price of the Irish Independent. It really is not about money. It is about grabbing and holding on to power. I feel sorry for Seanadóirí from Fine Gael and the Labour Party because they are being undermined by their Government.