Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the amendment before the House and the number of amendments that Senator Higgins and others have tabled in order to bring this back on the agenda. I do not accept for a minute the establishment of this commission is a reason for doing nothing on Seanad reform. Both could easily have proceeded in tandem. The Bill we tendered made provision for functions to be given to an electoral commission.

I wanted to get all those things off my chest. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for indulging me a little. It is important that the record of this House contains the shameful history of what has happened with efforts to reform the Seanad.