Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support that idea. I have two questions relating to the National Economic Dialogue, which I was delighted to attend last week. I was the only Senator present, and I am particularly grateful to our Leader for helping me to get there. I am not sure why I was the only Senator present. Perhaps it was because even though we have things to say on money Bills, we do not have votes on them. As we said during the debate on Seanad reform, we have a great deal of expertise that feeds into how this country sets its budgets and its priorities in that regard. I suppose this leads me to my first question, which relates to the issue of Seanad reform. I understand there was a meeting of Opposition leaders and the Taoiseach on the evening of the most recent debate on the Manning report. I heard about it. It seems that at this meeting there was debate but not consensus. According to the newspapers, the report is going to go to the Dáil for debate and maybe a Bill will be introduced on the basis of whatever consensus is achieved. I wonder whether this is the best way to do the business of achieving Seanad reform.