Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has referred to the fact that the Taoiseach will put a group together to consider this issue. I am naturally suspicious of groups put together by anybody, anywhere, anytime. Should a group be put together, it must include Members of this House and, second, the names of the proposed members must be placed before us to be debated. For far too long decisions have been made behind closed doors. People have been embarrassed by a recent decision, which was unfair to them and their families.

When the Government was formed, the Taoiseach spoke about a new age in Irish politics and about openness and transparency. I ask that Members of the House be informed of the names of the proposed members of any group and that Members from all parties and none - I include myself in that regard - have an input into any group to decide on the reform of the House. Bringing in a former Member or somebody who has not been a Member is not the way to reform the Seanad; all it would do is lead to another debate such as we have had tonight and we would get nowhere with it.