Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Aire Stáit as teacht isteach chun an Bhille seo a phlé. I extend my apologies for not being in the Chamber for all the debate but I followed a bit of it in the office between meetings. It is a sincere debate and we must be inward-looking in the first instance because we have the privilege of being elected to the Chamber and a responsibility as a result. Sinn Féin's position on the abolition of the Seanad has been well known, but the people expressed in a very democratic fashion that it was not their wish to see the Seanad abolished. We must adhere to the democratic wish as laid out with respect to this institution as the Upper House in the Oireachtas and what people expect from us. They expect a strong and robust Seanad in scrutinising legislation, representing people and giving voice to citizens right across the board, particularly those who find themselves on the margins or removed from the government process.

We have a broad remit and I am sure that, historically, it has been frustrating for Seanadóirí that the process has not been as forthright as they may have wanted. There are important roles laid out for the Seanad and the Bill could compliment those, strengthening the role of the Seanad and its Members as we move forward. It is good to hear the different views around that and how we can deal with the nuances of this legislation and the role of the Upper House.

I am very encouraged by the new section, touched on by the previous speaker, that would allow the extension of voting rights to Irish citizens in the North. It is a very positive move. Maybe I am as guilty as anybody else in focusing on issues when we should consider modest and routine mechanisms. I am encouraged by this and anything that moves to enfranchise Irish citizens, regardless of where they are on the island, giving them a very direct input, influence and sense of ownership of this place, the institutions and the legislation and work flowing through it. That is a very positive step forward. Almost 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement, it is about time that this happened. I say that respectfully.

Belfast City Council is probably the second biggest council on the island. It has 60 members and represents the second city. It has a very diverse and ever-changing make-up. The role of elected councillors and local government members is something that could be considered as the legislation moves forward, with amendments. We can see the positive work that occurs between local government authorities across the island, including in the Border counties, where the work is critical. We can also consider the eastern corridor and the connection between Belfast and Dublin. A memorandum of understanding exists between the councils there and along the corridor.I believe there is massive potential to have the voice of those members in an institution like this to give oversight to the legislation that comes before us and to allow for greater initiation of legislation that would strengthen co-operation, economic growth, social inclusion and regeneration right across the island. Our position on this Bill has been laid out by the previous speakers. We have our amendments and our own view of how to improve the Bill. I hope that the amendments will be taken in the sincere way that they are offered for other Senators' consideration. We have an ideal opportunity here. We have a unique opportunity to finally do something with Seanad Éireann that makes us much more relevant, accessible, democratic and reflective of our society.

One of the previous speakers spoke about nobody being closer to the people than local councillors. That is a fair enough assessment, but I would contest that there is nobody closer to the people than the people themselves. Anything that gives them greater democratic franchisement and involvement in the role of these institutions, the more power to our elbow. I wish the Bill every success. Is é sin an méid.