Seanad debates

Thursday, 18 April 2019

10:30 am

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

He was asserting a truth which in those days and the decades afterwards became increasingly occluded by the power of the majority in Ireland as the two parts of this island became more and more polarised along religious lines.

Things have changed in the meantime and we now live in a very different Republic. Recent referendums have shown that this is an open Republic. It is one that is open to change. Second, it is an inclusive Republic. Third, it is one that values diversity. These things are signs of a huge change in Irish attitudes, which we should take account of and build on rather than merely observe as spectators.

This House is composed in a particular way under the Constitution. The purpose of this House is to bring into politics people who would not otherwise be there and points of view which would not otherwise be articulated and available to enrich the legislative process. This House has played and continues to play a rich part in political life.I was once, like the Taoiseach, a person who believed in its abolition because it was failing to carry out its mandate. My experience as a Minister, however, particularly as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, showed me that this House was something that enhanced Irish democracy rather than in any sense tainting it.

A point we must consider is that we are part of a parliament within the European Union. The parliaments in the European Union, post-Lisbon treaty are supposed to participate in a consideration of European Union legislation, to look at what is happening in Europe and to make contributions not simply here at home on a national basis but to participate in the consideration of proposed legislation at the European Union level. I do not think I am being the slightest bit unfair when I state that is simply not happening at any point in the Oireachtas at the moment. Our Parliament is not playing its full part in the post-Lisbon treaty legislative process in Europe and that is something which we have to remedy and address in the coming years.

The Taoiseach has spoken in his address about proposals to amend local government and the system of local government in Ireland. He has spoken about the plebiscites that are planned for a number of cities and the process which is planned for a similar plebiscite in Dublin. The cart should not be put before the horse here. It is all very well to consider having an elected mayor but the crucial thing to decide is what local government is about in this country, what is its purpose and what are its powers.

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