David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I greatly appreciate that. I welcome the Taoiseach to the House and I also welcome his remarks on Seanad reform. I have been campaigning for Seanad reform for 40 years and I hammered out some of the well-known phrases about the Seanad over those 40 years. I contributed to every report published during the 30 years I have spent here in Seanad Éireann. The Seanad Bill introduced by Senator McDowell was cobbled together by lawyers hired by Mr. Feargal Quinn. I recommend that the Taoiseach look at the detailed forensic critique which I subjected it to in this House. One of the issues - a parochial matter, I suppose - is the defence of the Trinity constituency. I point out to the Taoiseach that it is the longest surviving parliamentary constituency on this island, going back to the beginning of the 17th century. It must be respected.

As father of the House, I ask the Taoiseach if he would grant me the privilege of a ten-minute interview. I have suggestions to make about Seanad reform. They are not pick-and-mix or about referring issues to committees. It is a really radical and visionary approach that would get the Taoiseach an additional footnote in history. The partisan element of the process bedevils the Seanad. It should be removed but it will require vision. Very few politicians are prepared to relax their control or their power but a Seanad should essentially be an adviser and accomplice to the Government, lending support based on a fully professional approach.

The Taoiseach should forget about all the committees, etc. Why not grasp the nettle and really go for a referendum? We are having a referendum on something to do with the presidency, votes in America and so on, so why not grasp the nettle and have a referendum focused entirely on removing the party political element of the Seanad? It would also entail removing the Taoiseach's option of nominating 11 Members. In a non-confrontational and advisory Seanad composed entirely of professional people - the greatest brains of social reformers and people involved with the community - there would be no need for the controversy involved in wanting to defeat the Government or introduce party-oriented reforms.

I ask for an opportunity to speak with the Taoiseach and give him details of this proposal. There were suggestions of tinkering earlier. There was a suggestion of opening the university seats to 1 million potential voters, leaving 1,000 voters to decide the other 43 panel seats and one vote - that of the Taoiseach - for 11 Members. That is just absurd and does not really amount to reform. Could I have the opportunity at some stage in the Taoiseach's very busy schedule to discuss these matters? I can provide a blueprint in advance of any such meeting.