Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions for the Leader, one of which is related to the arts and the other to the Seanad. Since last Wednesday, as all Members are aware and as they just have been reminded by Senator Darragh O'Brien, there has been an ongoing public controversy about the disrespect - the Senator used the word "disrepute" - paid both to the arts and to the Seanad in light of John McNulty's nomination to IMMA and the Seanad by-election. By contrast, last Wednesday the Irish arts world had much cause for positive celebration outside this Chamber because Eavan Boland, one of Ireland's most eminent poets, turned 70. This coincided with the publication of her new collection of poems entitled A Woman Without a Country. Throughout the decades, her body of work has had a profound impact on the Irish psyche and soul as she charted new territory in search of a language not voiced before and in search of a nation not fully imagined and that depicted how woman's place outside history could be transformative as well as transformed. I believe that by way of marking the 24th Seanad's commitment to the arts, as well as to women "finding a voice where they found a vision", as in the great words of Eavan Boland often quoted by the former president, Mary Robinson, I ask the Leader to bring Eavan Boland's name to the Seanad committee that decides on inviting significant public figures to this Chamber to address Members. I expect it would be a remarkable and inspiring exchange.
My second question relates to another date on the calendar, namely, 4 October 2014, when Members will mark the first anniversary of the day on which the Irish people voted in referendum to retain the Seanad. It is my belief, as well as that of countless citizens throughout Ireland, that the people did not vote to retain the Seanad in its current form but that they voted for real reform. Consequently, I request that the Bill published by Senator Quinn and I on Seanad reform be brought to Committee Stage as soon as possible. This would be a fitting way to mark the anniversary of the people's vote. Senator Quinn and I also will table amendments to ensure the Bill is capable of delivering on a core set of fundamental reforms on which we believe all parties can agree.

We will be seeking Government time for Committee Stage on the Seanad Bill. This would be a prime way for the Taoiseach and the Government to demonstrate respect for the people, for the Seanad and for implementing the new politics that all sides of this House agree is needed.