Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, Members spoke about the late Peter Mathews. I support the remarks made in the House. Peter was always good humoured and very dogged on the subjects he raised. I served with him on the finance committee along with Senator Kieran O'Donnell. I extend my sympathy to his family on the loss of a very courageous and good man.

Over the last few weeks the lifespan of the current Dáil and Seanad is coming into focus. How long will they exist? The Leader has been very co-operative in prioritising the business of the House, but I believe we must have a new focus in terms of how long the Seanad will exist and what legislation can be passed. Fianna Fáil referred to two important Bills earlier. I ask the Leader to engage with the group leaders to see if we can prioritise the legislation that can be passed by the House in whatever length of time we have left to serve. Certainly, I had hoped that we would have made better progress on Seanad reform. Over the last few weeks the need to move quickly with that has rapidly come into focus, if it is not to be passed to another Seanad and Dáil. I know the Leader will engage with Members on trying to prioritise what business we can get through in whatever length of time we have left in the House.