Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am uncertain whether it is positive or wise to introduce the "ticketgate" GAA saga when we are trying to show that the Seanad is relevant. I am not sure that helps in terms of the optics.

Sinn Féin will be supporting this Bill on Seanad reform. We campaigned in the referendum in 2013 for it to be abolished, but the people made their decision and we respect that. Why, three years later, has there been no significant reform of this House despite all the talk at the time that the Seanad would work in a new way and be given more scrutinising powers?

I am proud to be a Seanadóir in this House, as, I am sure, are the other Seanadóirí. This is an important arm of the Oireachtas where I can give a voice to the ordinary people on a daily basis. We are all honoured and privileged to find a job that matches our passion and to perform it in our daily lives. However, there are still many flaws in the operation and formation of the Seanad. That is why I welcome this Bill as it has many elements which have the capacity to make reforming changes which were demanded by the electorate following the referendum on its abolition.

This Seanad is probably the most diverse in history in terms of the various opinions of Members. That is what makes it an interesting debating House.The reason for this diversification is the sea-change in the electoral landscape of previous years, which has allowed greater representation from all sectors of society. This is good for our country and our democracy. More can be done to make the Seanad an even truer reflection of society and the Bill will allow for it. Allowing 30 of the 60 Members to be elected by popular vote is a move that we welcome. The electorate proved it is interested in the Seanad and recognises its worth to our democratic system. Therefore, it is most welcome, as part of the Bill, that the public should be given a direct say in who is elected to it, a choice to elect who they want to represent them.

Embracing our fellow citizens and holders of Irish passports from the North is also very welcome. We have campaigned for a long time for voting rights for our fellow citizens in all elections that take place in the Republic. We believe it is only a matter of time before it happens and we look forward to a time when we will have representatives from the Six Counties in a Thirty-two County Dáil Éireann. Brexit is a great opportunity to do it. On that note, I would like to congratulate my colleague, Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, who became the first Sinn Féin Senator to join us from the Six Counties, despite not even being able to vote in the election. We are very proud of him. Allowing the members of the diaspora to vote is also a very important step in keeping a link with our citizens who are forced to or otherwise leave our country and seek new opportunities elsewhere. We should never forget them and their links to our country. This proposed step would include them in our democratic process.

Allowing more of our graduates to have a say through the university panel would also be a progressive step. Exclusivity was part and parcel of the Seanad for far too long. The public rightly had a negative view of the House and its operation as a closed shop inhabited by fuddy-duddies. The position in this regard has changed dramatically in recent years, which has been positive for our democracy. Our House - the people's House - has a positive role to play into the future. Many good people and positive contributors have come through the Seanad and many more will come through in the future. The Seanad could take on many extra responsibilities that would make a positive contribution to Irish society. I liken the House to a family in which the maturing children are demanding from their parents more responsibility and the opportunity to move on, embrace ideas and have their say. I support the Bill, but reiterate that three years is a long time to wait for reform.