Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is what the Members opposite did. How can they interpret a mandate they never got? The position they advocated was rejected, particularly in the Dublin area and overwhelmingly in all middle-class and working-class constituencies. The Senators opposite ought to reflect on that. It was an overwhelming rejection of the way the Dáil operates. Against us were Fine Gael, the Labour Party, People Before Profit, the United Left Alliance and, regrettably, Sinn Féin. All of those were rejected in the referendum.

It would seem from what was coming forward from the Minister of State yesterday that the fault lies in the two university constituencies. I contend the five university Senators saved this House from being abolished. What we say about checks, balances, accountability and representing minority groups demonstrates what the Seanad was set up for. That is what we got the mandate for. I am interested in reform but if the university seats are abolished and taken over by the political parties, this House will become a Chamber of Fianna Fáil reserves against Fine Gael reserves, which is certainly not what people voted for. The Independent university Senators comprise a valuable part of this House and that should have been recognised in the Government's contribution. I exempt the Leader from any criticism but believe the Seanad committee ought to be more balanced in its treatment of what exactly happened on 5 October.