Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Brennan’s call for a review of our planning regulations. It is over 40 years since they were last addressed and he has raised some important issues.

I concur with Senator Whelan on nuclear energy and it does warrant a debate in the House. We are located close to the island of Britain and yesterday’s decision there on a proposed nuclear power plant has major implications for all of us living so close to that proposed site.

Last Saturday marked the first anniversary of the referendum on the Seanad, when the people rejected the proposal by the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, and some members of his Government that this House should be abolished. In rejecting his proposal, the people accepted that this House was necessary but in need of reform. I agree with Senator Norris that tinkering around with the election of university Senators is not in itself Seanad reform. We owe it to the people who voted in the referendum to maintain this House to urgently address reform of the Seanad.

I do, however, take exception to Senator Norris's views on the Seanad by-election, votes for which will be counted tomorrow. As the Constitution stands, that by-election is being conducted properly. It is not a rotten borough. I would like Senator Norris to withdraw that comment.