Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At times, the Senator did not do too well in that regard in his former incarnation. I suppose he will welcome Bertie Ahern back today. I presume that would be another good move for the country.

It is sometimes lost on Members that it is the prerogative of the Government to accept or reject the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention. The right to vote is a precious and cherished right. What will happen if people do not vote in elections? Should we consider this issue in the context of changes to the franchise? Should we make voting compulsory, as is the case in Australia? That would create a different dynamic.

To respond to Senator McDowell's goading, I am in favour of extending the franchise.My fundamental concern centres around the registration process, who one allows to vote, the criteria and the cut-off point. Linked to that is the fundamental question of whether the person voting understands the importance of the office of President. It is not simply about going around meeting civic and community groups and it is not just about opening the Ploughing Championships. It is not about meeting the teams at the Aviva Stadium or Croke Park. It is much more substantial than that.

I will spend my final minute on Seanad reform. The Taoiseach has outlined the Government position. As Leader of the House, I note that we have had the debate on Second Stage of the relevant Bill. The Taoiseach has spoken to Senator McDowell about it and is putting in place a process and a consultation team to move it forward. He has written to the leaders of the other parties to move that forward. How we arrive at the end of Seanad reform is a matter we all have to discuss. Senator McDowell has a constituency to appease while Members with a different point of view must look at their constituencies. We all agree that Seanad reform is necessary. New politics does not necessarily mean, however, that those who oppose Government all the time should continue to do so. In fairness, that is not an issue for Senator McDowell, but it requires a new way of doing politics and of doing business. One of the legacies of new politics is that pre-legislative scrutiny will play a bigger and more important role in future Parliaments, which is welcome. As someone who chaired a committee of the last Oireachtas, I thought it served us well.

There will be a cost to the State in any extension of the franchise. How much will it be and where will the money come from? Will it mean depriving services of resources further down the road? That has to be teased out. The overarching policy, which we accept, is to extend the franchise. With that, I note to Senator McDowell that I am glad the Minister is here.