Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

These people would not be elected if they did not have a mandate from the people. I am not saying it is ideal but I agree with Senator White that this is not an artificial construct. It is very real. I commend the people selected by the Taoiseach as representatives. They are in a very privileged position, which I am sure they recognise. When the franchise is to be extended overseas, how much will the electorate know about the people they will put into the House to represent them? A person having a degree - I have two - does not mean he or she is qualified to sit on a particular chair.