Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask them all to read the Short Title of the Bill and look precisely at what they are voting for. If anything has been proven, it is that more and not less oversight is what is required. There are no real proposals from the Government as to what will replace the Seanad, should the people vote to abolish it. Finally, like my colleague Senator Norris, I put much faith in the Irish people in this regard and know that whenever this matter is put to a referendum, the Irish people will make their decision on this issue. In the interim, however, I do not believe any Government Senator should ever come to the Seanad to propose any amendment, Bill, Private Members' motion or anything else because the Government Members have voted no confidence in the Chamber they purport to respect.