Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage

 

5:10 pm

Photo of John CrownJohn Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am stunned at the effrontery of the Government side in trying to be so utterly obstructionist about every aspect of this Bill. Those Members were elected on the promise of political reform but have split themselves asunder on the issue of abolishing the Seanad. Most Government Senators were either lukewarm in their support for abolition or, in many cases, frankly opposed their own Government's position. They should be warmly embracing every opportunity for meaningful Seanad reform. If the 2013 referendum meant anything, it was an endorsement of Seanad reform. I do not believe any single person went into the polling station on the day of the referendum wishing to maintain the status quo. A plurality of people, a majority of those who cast their ballots, voted effectively for reform. This message needs to be taken on board.
For the Government merely to implement the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution 40-odd years later and say that this is long-promised political reform is absolutely unsatisfactory. Their use of tactics such as calling a vote on the Title of the Bill speaks somewhat to the insincerity of their commitment to the whole question of reform.

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