Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the past week or two, I stated that we would be challenged. These are difficult times. It makes our job particularly difficult when one is in opposition and there is such a mass gathering in government, as is its members' call.

This amendment should be included in the legislation. If circumstances change, we can reconvene. In one of his speeches to the House, the then Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, talked about the role of the Seanad in scrutinising, improving and polishing legislation. It would be a sad day if the Government stood here with its vast numbers and told us "No" every time it proposed legislation, which it could do. That would not be good. Our job is to scrutinise legislation. The amendment is a reasonable and appropriate intervention. I have no difficulty with a sunset clause. If circumstances change, we could revisit the legislation. These are the Houses of the Oireachtas. If a certain set of circumstances arise following any legislation, I would do nothing but expect the Minister to come to the Houses and seek to change it and engage with people. Let us recognise the challenges.

The amendment is a reasonable proposal and I am supportive of it. I encourage Senator Ó Donnghaile to call a vote on it. If we believe in something fundamentally, we should come to the House with a sense of confidence, articulate our views, point out the reasons for an amendment and make our strong case. Ultimately, the House speaks through the mechanism of a vote, meaning its decision is on the record of the House. This is an appropriate amendment and I urge the Senator to press it and, if necessary, call a vote.