Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On that topic, although many young voters did not vote in the referendum, I was surprised by the number of young people who had an interest in the Seanad and cast their vote accordingly.

Senator Cullinane mentioned that only 40% voted but there have been lower turnouts in other referendums. The people certainly knew what they were voting for - that is evident when one considers the vote in the other referendum, on the court of appeal. They are ahead of us in many regards. Commentators suggested that people did not know what they were voting for and this may have been the case in a few minor instances but in general people are well informed.

Speakers mentioned the time available for debate in this House. I will allow as much time as is necessary but we all know that for all the times I order statements and legislation, only a handful of Members will contribute. We have done an excellent job on many items of legislation but others go through in half an hour because only two or three speakers are present. We have to look at ourselves in that regard. That is the type of behaviour people comment upon so we must look at the way we do our business. If time is necessary for debate and legislation, however, it will be allowed. The last thing I want to do with any legislation that comes to this House is to guillotine it and I have no intention of doing so unless it is emergency or financial legislation. Times come, however, when we give an airing to Committee Stage of a single Bill over days and weeks and it is imperative for me to be able to say we have debated it at length. That will happen only in exceptional cases and will happen less rather than more often.

I believe I have covered the majority of points raised. I reiterate I would welcome written submissions from parties and groups. The submissions we have had from the likes of Senators Crown, Quinn and Zappone now exist in Bill form and have been passed on Second Stage. Their jump from Second Stage to Committee Stage is where we stand now and we must have reflection from all parties as to how we can knit this in and we can only do so much. I am the Government representative in this House but as I speak I cannot give the exact position of the Government in regard to reform of this House. It, too, needs time for reflection. I will certainly bring the points raised tonight to the Government and I would welcome the co-operation of the House in having written submissions from parties and groups. I hope we can all work together.

There will, of course, be votes. In an ideal world there would be no Whip system but that is utopia and we all know it will not happen. Any co-operation there can be in respect of legislation and prior debates, etc., would be appreciated. The leaders of groups meet regularly. I am not here to cause problems between groups, parties or individual Members. I want the House to work well and I want co-operation between all Members. I assure the House I will do my utmost to initiate reforms the House wants.