Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the matter of the relocation of the Seanad again, given the concerns expressed yesterday in the national media by academics about the planned use of the National Museum of Ireland and the associated costs. We must ask the question again. Why can we not look to the regions for an alternative site or at least explore that option? This move will continue to be highlighted in the national media.I probably do it myself in some ways. If we cannot find accommodation in the city of Dublin, perhaps it is time to move around the country. I remember how, in 2000, the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Cabinet met at the regional assembly in Ballaghadereen. The regional assembly is still there and would be very happy to ask the Seanad to relocate to its location. If we are talking about bringing politics to the people, perhaps this is an opportunity. I know the secretariat is working extremely hard but there are turf wars here and it is bringing the reputation of the Seanad into disrepute. As Senators, we do not mind where we sit but we want to get this sorted sooner rather than later.