Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to share time with Senator Hildegarde Naughton.

The 2004 all-party committee which produced a report on Seanad reform found that the exact role of Seanad Éireann was not obvious to the general public, and that is probably true. Its primary role is legislative. What goes on in this House is part of the legislative process. Legislation is initiated in the Dáil or the Seanad; it then goes on to the other House and from there to the President. There are three stages in the passage of every Bill, as the Taoiseach well knows. It is very important to bear that in mind. Members of this House are legislators. We have been elected or selected to deal with and enact legislation. It is a primary function which is very important and should not be glossed over. However, there are many other functions that this House can perform. I note from the Taoiseach's contribution that he wants to allow for that, but within the constitutional parameters. I fully support the proposal from the Leader that a task force be developed to examine all aspects of the Seanad electoral process and of how the House performs its duties on a daily basis. That would be a very important step forward because there is a lot of information available and many reports have been published.

The vocational panels and the nomination process are dated and do not suit today’s way thinking or our society. Dáil and Seanad elections could be held on the same day, thereby preventing people from standing for both. Like Senator Ivana Bacik, I stood for the Dáil unsuccessfully and I am now in this House. However, I believe individuals should not run for both.

Enacting the result of the 1979 referendum on the Seanad franchise is very important. Extending the franchise to graduates of all third level institutions would also encompass many of our emigrants, many of whom are in constant touch with Irish society through the Internet and other media. Therefore, they do not see themselves as emigrants in the true sense, rather they see themselves more as being away on a temporary basis.

I thank the Taoiseach for attending the Seanad and look forward to developments on Seanad reform. The 60 Members, both elected and selected, want to contribute and play a role in this process