Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From one Burke to another, I thank the Cathaoirleach for the way in which he has managed the affairs of the House in the past five years. I thank the group leaders, in particular ours, who is the Leader of the House, for the manner in which they worked together to try to effect change. I pay tribute to the staff for their dedication and commitment in the past five years to assisting Members in every way possible. I also pay tribute to the Oireachtas Library and Research Service staff, who have always been helpful, and those involved in drafting legislation, who provided assistance when we were introducing our own.

In that regard, there is a role for the House in terms of Private Members' Bills. Departments need to wake up to the fact that not everything needs to come from them. Senators know what is required on the ground and when laws must be changed. If a Senator proposes draft legislation, Departments and Ministers should get on board. I have tabled three Private Members' Bills. While one was eventually accepted by the Government, I am disappointed that the others were not taken on board. Other Senators tabled Private Members' Bills. During my time in the European Parliament, people worked together around a table to find the best way forward. Every Senator wants to bring about the best changes for the people of the country. This is to the forefront of our minds when we introduce legislation. It is important that the next Seanad takes this point on board.