Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not know about it only for the fact that it was brought to my attention.

We need this House to do very valuable work for the people. I envisage a different type of Seanad which would include the removal of the Whip system so that decisions are not compromised along party lines but are made on the basis of best argument and evidence put forward. This is not dissimilar to Senator Crown's argument. Decisions would be based on expertise and talent that is critical to the subject area. It does not mean we will not have votes nor does it mean that we should run the Seanad the same as the Dáil. There would still be a vote at the conclusion of a debate but there is no need for it to be compromised by a party line. As another speaker said that in Germany, representatives are expected to vote according to conscience. Deputy Peter Mathews brought forward a Bill in the other House addressing this aspect but needless to say it was shot down.