Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I say that with absolute personal respect for the Minister. I know the Green Party would have liked this to be in the programme for Government, but frankly that is why we will have to press this. I think an opportunity has been missed to bring light to this issue, and to move it forward. The Minister should bear in mind that every time the public has been asked the question, in 2013 and in 1979, the clear message has been to widen and engage. There was the 1979 referendum. There are also provisions in the Constitution, because our Seanad Reform Bill 2020 is entirely constitutional, which allow the Government to legislate. They allow for legislative measures and allow the public to have a say. Let us be clear, this is the Government blocking the public from having a say in the Seanad.