Paul Bradford (Renua Ireland) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator John Crown’s request to deal with the Seanad Electoral Reform Bill 2013. It is over two years since the public voted to keep the institution of the Seanad and to bring about a reformed Seanad. It was the cornerstone of the Taoiseach’s pre-election commitment, namely the whole issue of democratic and political reform. To ignore the concept of Seanad electoral reform is a mark of the Taoiseach’s disdain for this House. If we can at least keep the issue before the public by dealing with matters such as the Seanad Electoral Reform Bill 2013, we can keep it to the fore. The will of the people was clearly expressed in the referendum vote on the Seanad and we have to respond to it democratically. Accordingly, I support Senator John Crown’s request.