Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will finish by saying I am supporting this Bill and I hope every Government and Independent Member will do so as well. I would respect them for doing that. This is a matter for the people and the Taoiseach will not determine the discussion that will take place over the summer. It will be a matter for any of the Senators who wish to make any contribution they want in the public domain to do so, and it will not be a matter for the Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny. I hope there will be a very robust debate, not just about the role of the Seanad but also about the role of local government, Dáil reform and all the other matters that should be discussed in the context of the abolition of this House.

I make one request of the Taoiseach. I am entitled to personally hope that the referendum is defeated, as a "No" vote is a vote for reform, and in such a case I ask the Taoiseach to put the matter of Seanad reform to the Constitutional Convention.