Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I too would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy on the death of the late John Carty, who was a great friend and who was popular on both sides of the House. He was witty and down to earth, and when he spoke on matters to do with agriculture, and the west in particular, people listened to him. He will be greatly missed also in a little town called Emmetsburg in the US state of Iowa, where he was guest of honour on a number of occasions at their St. Patrick's Day celebrations. He was very popular in that town. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I listened to Senator Sean Barrett's contribution on the monitor and I agree with every word he said about Seanad reform. Last night's Private Members' debate was very useful in reflecting on the significance of the Seanad abolition referendum, which was a significant day in the history of Irish parliamentary democracy. We should reflect more on the significance of the result, because the people gave a resounding endorsement for the continuation of the Seanad but they would like it reformed. That they were in favour of retaining the Seanad means they cannot have much of a problem with the Seanad as it is constitutionally set up. It was something of an endorsement of ourselves, even though I am sure the media would not accept that. The Latin term festina lente, make haste slowly, comes to mind. We should not have a stampede as if there were a mad rush about this issue.

I cannot see legislation being brought forward on the panel selection system this side of a general election. If that were to happen, it would be poor legislation rushed through the House. Nor am I certain that it will be possible in the lifetime of this Government to introduce legislative change of the university panels. It is well known that the university Senators have contributed more than their fair share to debates in this House in this term and in previous terms. We should be very careful about that legislation in terms of how we will work out a register of electors and the costs involved in that. It is fraught with difficulties. We should take it slowly; God made plenty of time.