Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Once again this week we have practically no legislation coming through this House. We have had very little in recent weeks and I gather that we might not have much coming next week either. We have to do something about that dearth of legislation. The Leader could grasp some of the procedures we have suggested and recommended for Seanad reform. We could do it without waiting for somebody else to do it for us. Could we not do something about European legislation ourselves, rather than waiting for the other House or the Government to day, "Yes, here's what you can do"? It is in our own hands, so we should do it.

Today's newspapers report that Ireland is in ninth place for innovation of the 28 EU member states, so we are way down the line. There is no place in business for those who wait for somebody else to do something. That applies not just to the business sector, but also to this House. We must stand up and do it ourselves. This is a real opportunity for us to do something like that and I suggest that we could do it with European legislation on that basis. The Leader should grab hold of this proposal. If we are not going to be given legislation, let us grab hold of it ourselves and do something about it. Let us be the innovators and set an example of what we can do. It does not only apply to business or Government, but is also a way of life. If Ireland is going to succeed, we have got to do it ourselves. This is a real opportunity to do something in this House by introducing legislation or examining European legislation. That is part of what we have proposed in the Seanad Reform Bill. If we are to have a healthy and successful Seanad in future, we must do it ourselves. I urge the Leader to do something about this in the immediate future.