Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was the first Senator to propose formally that Senators be appointed to the banking inquiry. I am speaking as a member of the 11 person Committee of Selection. Much has been rewritten over the past week as to what happened last Wednesday night. It is important to put on the record once again that of the 11 members of the Committee of Selection, five represent the Government side of this House and six represent the non-government side. It was not extraordinary, therefore, that the Committee of Selection made the decision it did, but the Government is now attempting to rewrite that result.

When the annals of Oireachtas history are written, if the business proceeds as planned without debate, and I appeal to the Leader, in particular, to reflect on that lack of debate, it will be noted that on Thursday, 12 June 2014, the moral authority of the current Government completely disappeared and Seanad Éireann entered into a place of total disrepute.

This House is made up of members of all parties and none. People stood for election to Seanad Éireann believing in high principles and purpose, but what is happening this morning is deeply disturbing. The Taoiseach made an extraordinary contribution to Dáil Éireann two evenings ago. It is worth reflecting on what he said. It was not a quip in front of a microphone or a so-called doorstep interview. He put on the record of the House that, as far as he was concerned, the inquiry could not go ahead without a Government majority.