Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is very welcome to the House. I thank Senator Keane for sharing time. Much has been said on this matter. One thing we can say about the Taoiseach is that he is a reforming Taoiseach and this Government is a reforming Government. The result arrived at on 5 October has given a mandate to this House and to the Oireachtas as a whole to reform because it is in the people's interest for us to ensure this House works in a better manner.

Many people have made points; I will not go over old ground. The reforms I raise concern the way this House is elected and the way it does its business. I would welcome a task force on the first issue. Our Leader in this House has introduced reforms and we can continue doing so. I welcome what the Independent Senators have done in respect of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. An example from the present term was shown during the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill when the health committee brought in experts. The Seanad could do this, perhaps once a month, pick a subject and bring in experts over six months, and then bring a Bill, first to this House and pass it on to the Dáil. An example to be considered might be the issue of ethnic minorities or religious minorities. We could discuss with the people involved how they are being treated in this country. If we believe legislation is needed as a consequence we could bring it to the House.

The Taoiseach said he comes in peace; we say, "How".