Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an effort by the Government. Some people do not like it because it will affect them personally in terms of how they get elected. They are right to fight their corner in that regard. They are very right in fighting their own corner and we have to listen to them as well. This Government has listened to what the people said in 1979 and will try to legislate for same.

I reject totally the claim that this side of the House is being obstructionist in regard to this Bill. We commend the Senators who moved the Bill, and we commend many of the items that are contained in the Bill. I think, and the movers themselves will acknowledge, that this Bill deserves the same scrutiny, amendment and debate that any other Bill should get in the House.