Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for taking time out of his schedule to be with us today. His presence demonstrates a willingness to accept the strong voice of the people as expressed at the ballot box in favour of reform. There can be no doubt the Irish people voted for a new and reformed Seanad on October 4. If the previous general election gave the Taoiseach a mandate to hold the Seanad referendum, which has brought clarity on this Chamber's future, the recent referendum gives him a mandate for its comprehensive reform. He now has an opportunity to do, as Senator Quinn already identified, something which no Taoiseach has done since the enactment of Bunreacht na hÉireann more than three quarters of a century ago, namely, to go ahead and deliver substantial Seanad reform. The referendum showed there is a huge appetite for political reform and many people I have met subsequent to the result have told me to get on with reform.

Senator Quinn and I and our colleagues and volunteers spread throughout the nation are of the firm view our job is only partly done. We did not set out on the referendum campaign journey with the objective of simply winning a referendum. We started out on our journey with the sole objective of achieving Seanad reform. We are still on this path. The first step was to retain the Seanad so it could be reformed, and reformed it must be.

I was delighted to hear in the aftermath of the result, the Taoiseach, accepting the decision of the people, gave a strong commitment to reforming the Seanad and to making it more fit for purpose. The Taoiseach and many others referred to the many proposals for reform, and I welcome the fact the Taoiseach is reviewing them. I remind the Taoiseach that Senator Quinn and I reviewed them following a comprehensive process of public consultation over a lengthy period, and came to the view legislative reform of the Seanad has a chance to incorporate change which will make a significant difference to the Seanad's effectiveness and to democratise the Seanad. Significantly, this can be done all the while avoiding the need for another referendum.

The Bill Senator Quinn and I sponsored had the input of some eminent well-known and respected legal people and should inform our deliberations. It could short-circuit much of the work. I also want to acknowledge the legislation produced by Senator Crown, which incorporates many of the same key principles for reform, and I know it will also be a prime resource for the Taoiseach.

It is important none of us is possessive about the reform process. A new Seanad will belong to everyone. I sincerely believe a reformed Seanad must be underpinned by a number of principles and those identified by Senator Cummins are inspiring and realistically can find a way into legislation. It must be a Seanad of the people which represents minorities of other sections of society. I agree with what Senator Hayden stated with regard to those who are economically disadvantaged. It must have no element of elitism; let this never be a charge brought again against the Seanad. It must not be an unnecessary blocker or obstacle to legislation and must not merely replicate the role or composition of the Dáil. Some of the reforms before the Taoiseach are able to effect this. These are the principles we need to keep faith with what the people voted for. Equally important, a new Seanad established on these foundations would provide the maximum potential for it being effective. I cannot believe the Taoiseach would not want to settle for anything less because he has already identified this.

The people have spoken and called for reform. Like Senators have said, the Taoiseach, as Head of Government, should lead the reform initiative. I both echo and agree with the Leader and Deputy Leader's call to establish a task force on Seanad reform that has defined deadlines so the public can be assured that the reforms that they voted for will happen within a tight timeframe and on schedule. It is in all of our interests that a working group - perhaps made up of senior civil servants and some academic and legal experts - liaises with Senators, along with the Office of the Attorney General, to finalise legislation within the coming months, a measure that would significantly advance the process.

The House and the public have a high expectation of reform. The public has voted for fundamental change and I hope and expect that the Taoiseach will respond positively, without delay, to this clarion call. I can assure him of my constructive support in that process.