Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second my leader's proposal to amend the Order of Business. In fairness, this matter was raised seven days ago and there was a vote on it. A full week's notice was given. It is also provided for legitimately under Standing Orders. We are entitled to a full debate on this debacle concerning the justice situation - the Minister, the Garda, and the sacking, or retirement, of the Commissioner. For too long, this House has been playing second fiddle to the other House. When any serious issue of national interest comes up, we may get a debate two or three months down the road. The people of Ireland, under the Constitution, restored faith in us as a House four or five months ago, yet when we ask for a debate with either the Taoiseach or the Minister, as we did last week - there were two separate proposals - we get no accession to our request.

If Members are serious about reform of the Seanad and the status of this important establishment and whatever about Members' political differences, it is about time this House had a debate on this urgent matter. Whether it is the Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy Shatter, or the Attorney General who comes into the House, it is high time that Members stopped playing second fiddle and being treated as second-class citizens. The people gave a resounding "Yes" vote to this House five or six months ago. Had the same proposal been put forward about the abolition of the Dáil and given what is going on there at present, would the vote have been so resounding? Consequently, I take great pride in seconding this motion and demanding that the status of this House is not diminished further by being treated along the lines of being told Members are all right and the matter will be dealt with in three months time. A debate is urgent and essential and I urge the Leader, who is a reforming Leader, to take on board the point I make because there is no point in having a debate after Easter when the stable door will have been bolted, the horse having fled.