Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure we will get a full answer during the Adjournment debate. Senator Barrett referred to the tight deadline for amendments to the Taxi Regulation Bill. Staff of the Bills Office are extremely hard working and all of us will have found them to be most understanding and accommodating where Members have particular difficulties with tight deadlines. I agree that it is unfortunate when deadlines are very tight.

Senator Barrett also raised the issue of Roy Hattersley's intervention in the Seanad campaign. I must say I was not aware of that intervention. I would agree with Senator Barrett's sentiments in response to Mr. Hattersley. Comparing the House of Lords with Seanad Éireann misses the very particular circumstances of the creation of the Seanad in 1937 and the very particular constitutional framework we have, where nobody has inherited seats, I am happy to say, in this Republic. I also believe it is important to emphasise, as Senator Barrett did, the number of amendments made in the Seanad, as well as the number of Private Members' Bills accepted in this House, in order to counter some of the allegations made.

Finally, Senator Barrett also referred to Richard Haass and Northern Ireland. I would strongly disagree with the Senator's portrayal of the Taoiseach as partitionist.