Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Two years ago I stood in front of the Minister of State in the Dáil Chamber and spoke about diversity and inclusion in our Parliament. Senator Ruane has spoken about amendment No. 5, which is tabled because the Bill does not address Seanad elections. As part of the Civil Engagement Group and as ordinary citizens, we believe the Seanad should be reformed to meet the needs of the people. It should be the people's House, as I said even going back two years ago.

I am disappointed that the Bill does not speak enough about people from ethnic minority groups and inclusion in the electoral system. It is really important. I am a Member of this House and from an ethnic minority group. The Seanad has been running for 100 years and yesterday I did an interview where one of the questions was about whether it had "equal" debates. It clearly cannot have "equal" debates when the majority of Members are from Government parties.

We cannot pass an electoral reform Bill unless it is inclusive. I understand great work has been done with these amendments but much better work must be done. As my colleague said in referring to amendment No. 1, we should ask the people on the street what they want from their Parliament. Such motivation seems to be missing from many sections of the Bill.

I ask the Minister of State to ensure the Government not only considers amendment No. 9 but also implements its provisions. It should also implement the provisions of amendment No. 5. It will be a long evening and this is not the last time I will speak to amendments relating to equality and diversity. This House is the people's House. It must include people with disabilities, Muslim people and people from all walks of our society. Ireland has changed in the past 100 years and so has its communities.