John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I fully support the notion of ensuring that the Seanad would continue to be a place where people who have very different opinions can get elected and can contribute to public life. However, there are genuine concerns about certain aspects of what is in Senator McDowell's report.

I will endeavour, as I said, to ensure that the Dáil has this exchange of views as soon as possible. I ask every Senator who has contact with Members in the other House to ensure it is raised at whatever time is suitable. In general, reports are discussed on Thursdays and I am free any Thursday to deal with it because it is crucial. Whatever talk we have in here about reform of the Seanad, the real driver for reform will come from the other House. I am certainly very open to that.