Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the Government legislative programme that was published today. I thank the Leader for arranging with her office to have it circulated to all Senators in the past hour or so. I had a quick look and a substantial amount of legislation at various Stages is scheduled for the autumn session. I thank the Government Whip for pulling all that together. It reminds us that Governments can initiate any legislation in Seanad Éireann. We need to send a clear message that this Seanad is ready, willing and able to process legislation, particularly when it is initiated here. I ask the Leader to use her good offices and contacts in the Houses to see where we can get agreement. Clearly, this is a prerogative of the Government and sponsoring Minister but, where possible, let us have legislation initiated in this House in addition to other legislation that is coming through. We cannot be successful if we do not have legislation so we need to see legislation track down into the House. We are up for it, willing and absolutely committed, and I speak for every member of this House in that regard. Let us see what we can do to encourage Ministers to consider, under their Government's programme, initiating more legislation in Seanad Éireann.