Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

A Chathaoirligh, a Thaoisigh agus a cháirde, from the social, cultural and ecological contribution of Members of the first Seanad, such as Jenny Wyse Power and Eileen Costello, through to the work of the many former Senators who join us today, the Seanad has shaped national policy through a thematic lens, often identifying possibilities and challenges beyond any specific geographic constituency.Senators have a strong record on social change and human rights, standing and speaking up against the conservative rollbacks of the 1920s and 1930s and supporting women's rights, reproductive rights and LGBT rights at times when that was difficult. Senators, including Senator Norris, established the first Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs, looking outwards to international human rights and Ireland's role in the world. That wider vision is still reflected in Seanad motions on global solidarity brought from all sides of the House, as well as in the urgent debates on climate action, the new role on EU scrutiny and ground-breaking legislation such as Senator Black's occupied territories Bill.

The Seanad is not just a platform. It plays a crucial and responsible role in the scrutiny, amendment and introduction of legislation with real impact, from the repeal of illegitimacy to the recognition of Irish Sign Language, the strengthening of workers' right and Senator Ruane's innovative Bill to ban non-disclosure agreements, now replicated and passed in parliaments from Australia to Canada.

Major change has often been led by minority voices and the Seanad has historically been a space where individuals from different traditions, experiences and perspectives can contribute to national debate. However, we still have a long road to travel on equality and inclusion. It took 98 years for Travellers to win representation in the Seanad with the appointment of Senator Flynn, a powerful Member of the Twenty-sixth Seanad and of our Civil Engagement Group. Much of Ireland's diversity is still missing from this room and too many do not even have the opportunity to cast a vote in the election of this House, despite referendums where the citizens of Ireland made it clear they valued the Seanad and wanted a say in it. Opening the franchise to all and passing the Seanad reform Bill is the essential test as we turn from the past to the future of this Seanad and our common nation.