Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Fair points were made by most people who made a contribution to the debate. It is true the people voted to retain the House, and this is an important constitutional point to be acknowledged, but they did not vote to replicate the Dáil. It would be a fundamental mistake for people to state we want to mirror the Dáil now in all its functionality. This was not the result, in my judgment, and we must drill down into the people's wishes. We need to support the Seanad to perform the role it should perform, not as a mirror image of the Dáil but with a different set of supports.

The support packages put in place over many years for the two different Houses reflect the different traditional views of each House. Over time we need to modernise this and reflect it differently. I am very keen to hear the views of Senators on this. Very coherent rational comments were made by people on these matters and I will do this over time. As I stated, it will be done on the basis of bringing the support of the people with us step by step and not stating it all has to be done overnight or before I go home.

In truth the purpose of the Bill is to bring more accountability and to reduce in real terms the quantum of money paid to Senators and Independent Members who receive a parliamentary allowance and to all political parties and Deputies who are Independents.

That is a good thing, in tandem with reduction in the severance payments. I will not accept this amendment now, but I have heard the arguments made.