Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Seanad reform implementation group first met on 9 May. On Tuesday next, I hope, the group will sign off on a report and a Bill. During Taoiseach's questions earlier in the Dáil, the long running saga in Irish politics that is Seanad reform was discussed by all of the group leaders. Some suggested that there are Members in this House who do not believe that we will ever see reform in this regard. However, there are many people who never wish to see Seanad reform. The Taoiseach suggested that some people may be confused by registering to vote on a number of panels. I believe that he should give the people more credit. He also raised cost as an issue and that he is interested in seeing the cost of any election. We had that conversation when Fine Gael told the people that we could save money. He also alluded to a third constituency to be retained in the form of the University of Dublin, Trinity College. He also said that the Leader keeps him abreast of these issues in private. I ask the Leader to explain what is the plan following the presentation of this report to An Taoiseach and when will we see the legislation before this House.