David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister is going to be involved in discussions on Seanad reform. I have outlined my reservations about the way in which reform is being pursued. As Minister with responsibility for reform, it is important that he put the entire Seanad under review rather than single out what is possibly the most vocal group. The Government estimates that there are 750,000 university voters - that is a big wallop of voters. Senator Martin Conway made a good point about blind people being allowed to use computers, but everybody should be allowed to do so. Six Senators will be elected from the universities by 750,000 voters; 43 will be elected by fewer than 1,000 voters, while the remainder will be elected by the Taoiseach through the glory of the single voter electorate. It can be similar in other elections. I recall the last by-election, in which there were only 237 votes for technical reasons. We have to equalise and democratise the system. I know that was a bit vague, but I want to pay a compliment to my colleagues who have not done anything in a selfish way.