Before I call the Leader of the House, may I take this opportunity to wish the many Senators on both sides of the House who will contest the Dáil election every success and a good campaign. I am sure many of them will be elected.
Order of Business.
You hope you will not see some of us again.
Senator Doyle, I am considering giving you a day's canvassing. We will be sorry to lose some of the very fine people here but if that is what they want I wish them well. I know we will probably meet later but for the three weeks ahead we may not do so. That is a matter, of course, for the Leader. I would like to thank you for your co-operation over the period I have been in the Chair and to wish success to all who are seeking election. I call the Leader of the House.
Items 1, 2 and 2(a) on the Supplementary Order Paper, and Nos. 3 and 4. Notwithstanding, anything in Standing Orders, the proceedings on the Fourth and Fifth Stages of item No. 2 and on the motion of concurrence with the earlier signature of the Bill by the President and on the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Stages of item No. 3, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, by one question, in each case which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments to item No. 3, include only Government amendments; item No. 4 will be taken from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and business shall be interrupted from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. I am suggesting 15 minutes per person on item No. 4 in the afternoon on the Aer Lingus debate, if that is agreeable to the House.
On the Order of Business, the arrangements for today are acceptable. This is, as you all know, the last effective meeting of this Seanad. We may meet after the Dáil election but that is unlikely — this is our nunc dimittis.
This Seanad has been in the news more often than most of its predecessors and sometimes for reasons that were controversial. They may not always have been the best reasons but in spite of that this has been a very good Seanad. It has been marked by a spirit of co-operation and an attempt to carve out a new and distinctive role for this House. There was also an attempt to reform some of our procedures. Without making any contrast, the work of this House was carried out in a good spirit without rancour or bitterness. We showed the capacity to work across party lines and to co-operate in the national interest. People were able to say hard things on policy matters without generating any personal bitterness across the various divisions in the House. We should mark that point. A great deal of that is due to you, a Chathaoirligh, and to your spirit and fairness in the Chair and also to the Leader of the House who has tried very hard to generate a good spirit of work and co-operation in the House. Like yourself, a Chathaoirligh, I wish well to anybody who finds himself or herself facing the electorate either 21 days or 90 days from now.
As I indicated at another time, I always find it difficult to accept that this sort of sympathetic closure should take place in this House when the other House decides to finish its business. This is something I have never agreed with. However, I am a pragmatist and recognise that people will have commitments in other areas during the next number of weeks.
I want to put one thing on the record because some of what I said yesterday may be misinterpreted. It is in order for any Member of any House of the Oireachtas to have an ambition to have a seat in another House. I have never had any difficulty with that. My only difficulty has been to see this House playing second fiddle. I have been opposed to that. It is as simple as that.
As this is the final sitting before the Dáil general election, may I ask for two things which I would like to see taken on board by the Leader. Whatever about my suggestion yesterday for a simultaneous nomination day for both Houses — which I know will never be conceded — I think it is fair to request at this stage that, as early as possible, we have the timescale for the next Seanad election so that we can make a judgment on it. I would ask the Leader to ensure that the Department of the Environment give us those dates as soon as possible.
As this is the last sitting day, I would like to put on record my appreciation of the co-operation which has been shown at all times — even at difficult times — by the Whip and the Assistant Whip on the Government side, as well as the Whips on the other groups. I would like to record my appreciation in a special way to yourself, a Chathaoirligh, and to the staff of the House for their support in getting the business done. Never has reasoned debate and proper committed consideration which has been the mark of this House, been more important. There has been good humour while hard things were said, but nevertheless there was reasoned debate. I hope that any discussion outside over the next number of weeks does not diminish politics.
I said at an earlier stage of the sittings of this House that it is very sad that so few young people look at politics as a profession. Surely we can ask that all sides of both Houses over the next number of weeks in the Dáil and Seanad general elections, should conduct themselves in a way which shows politics as a profession to which young people might aspire for the good of democracy and for the good of the country. This House can show the lead in that.
We have reached the end of the road. I think this was a good Seanad. I enjoyed being here. The standard of debate was comparable to that in the other House, and, comparable to any other parliament I have listened to. It is particularly worthwhile that we began the process of reform. It is very important that we recognise the need for reform. We have taken the first steps even if we still have a long way to go, but the fact that we recognise the need for change is important. There is considerable potential for the next House to take on developments which were initiated here.
In particular, I want to thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the courteous, kind and pleasant way you have conducted this House while in the Chair. Everybody agreed on that. It is a great tribute to you and has been a very important factor in the way the House worked.
I want to say the same to the Leader and to the people across the way who are involved in running the House, the Whip and the Assistant Whip and others. I would like to say a special word of appreciation to my colleague from Clare, Senator Honan. I do not think I would be able to revisit the county if I did not do that. I also want to thank and pay tribute to our colleagues on this side of the House who, as far as I was concerned, were very kind, obliging and courteous to me.
Finally, I wish everybody who works in the business of contesting elections the best of luck, whether it is the election to the Dáil or the Seanad, or both. In your own case I sincerely hope that on your way to Athlone from Wexford you will stop into Dublin South-Central, perhaps for a half day, and take me around to improve the impression I hope to make on the people out there.
As you observed, I was not sure where I would sit today.
You have been hijacked.
I want to put on the record, first my thanks to you, a Chathaoirligh, for your courtesy, co-operation and kindness to me and to my colleagues, particularly since you have been in the Chair but also when you were Leader. I also want to express my appreciation to the Leader of the House, the Whips and the Assistant Whips.
This Seanad has been marked by reasoned debates. We have seen a maturity of political thought which was impressive. It nearly persuades me that our party's policy in relation to the Seanad should be changed — but not quite. I say very humbly that the quality of thought and of speech-making, not to say the odd bit of jibing across the floor, was a revelation to me. For the most part the jibing was in good spirits.
I agree with Senator O'Toole that young people should look to our Chambers. They look for leadership in the political arena. I believe in consensus and co-operation and that spirit should be engendered in a House such as this.
A Chathaoirligh, I know you cannot canvass everywhere and I will not even dream of asking you to do so. All I can say is, I wish my colleagues well, particularly those who have ambitions to the other House. I have such ambitions, but I will remember with a great sense of gratitude my time in the Seanad, no matter what happens. I wish those who remain in the House every success in their campaigns. Some may be going on to what are considered higher things. I sometimes wonder if that is true. I wish everyone the very best in the future.
In the spirit of the morning, I wish to point out that I have been in this House almost 12 years and I am beginning to realise that I am not a neophyte here any more. Therefore, if I make mistakes they are always deliberate.
I wish to put on the record that one of the reasons the House has been pleasant is your qualities as a Cathaoirleach. I would like to associate myself with the expressions of appreciation. Potentially troublesome Members, like myself in particular, are facing four weeks' suspension, if we are suspended at this stage. I put on notice that if I am back here after the election I have a clean slate and my capacity to take risks will be greatly enhanced.
I will be recommending you resume your seat quickly.
I could not help noticing the occupancy of what used to be the Progressive Democrats benches at the back of the Fianna Fail benches. Is that an eviction or a change of allegiance on the part of those Members? There is clearly a determination to squeeze people out over there.
A liberal break.
The two most prominent liberals in Fianna Fáil are sitting in those benches.
Is there room for Dessie over there?
A Chathaoirligh, with your quite considerable indulgence, this morning I would like to stand and defend this House and to defend politicians. I spent 12 years in both Houses. I came in as an anti-Establishment critic but my impression of politicians is a lot better now than it was before I came into either House. I have come to the conclusion that the problem we have is that we are human and every twist of our humanity is scrutinised in public. Unlike many of those who scrutinise us, whose privacy and humanity is never scrutinised, every thing we do is subject to public scrutiny. We make our compromises in public; we make our mistakes in public; we show our weaknesses and our greed in public Everything we do is scrutinised in public. I invite those who criticise us to allow the same scrutiny of everything they do. I think we would be shown to be not very different——
The Senator is making a speech but I like it.
I am not sure it would make much difference if I was suspended for four weeks at this stage, but do not tempt me. It has just dawned on me that it does not make much difference whether I am suspended for four weeks. We will hardly be meeting between this and Christmas, in any event. A Chathaoirligh, while I do not want to invite you geographically to canvass on my behalf, if you could persuade all the NUI graduates in Athlone to do the right thing, I would be very grateful to you.
Mr. Farrell
I would like to pay tribute to our own leader. He did a magnificent job. He approached it with great determination and effort to make a success of it and he created a sense of comradeship between the Opposition and himself. While he is a very serious and dedicated man, he approached his job in a lighthearted way and gave the impression that everything was easy to achieve. I offer my congratulations to him and I would like to wish him success.
I would also like to pay tribute to our Whip who did a great job and to all the Whips who in the past have made this House work in a very satisfactory manner. We had worth-while debates. I agree with Senator Maurice Manning that this Seanad was one of the best in a long time. It met frequently and we did very good work. The Cathaoirleach was largely responsible for our success and his predecessor also did his best when he was in office.
I was delighted when I heard Senator O'Toole say that he appealed to youth to take more interest in politics. My final word, and I have said this on many occasions, is that I would like to see our national flag fly at every school. Teachers should engender a greater love of their country in the pupils.
Is there a problem that could not be solved by the teachers of Ireland?
(Interruptions.)
Mr. Farrell
Teachers should engender a greater civic spirit in the children and encourage them to take an interest in politics and in the life of the country. It would be a great day's work. Again, congratulations to all.
My colleague has thanked all and sundry. As an indication of my appreciation for your own good qualities, a Chathaoirligh, I will also invite you to Dublin Central; it is quite close and we do not have far to travel.
Marlborough School was mentioned so often here. I think I have played my role already.
I was also delighted to see that Senator Keogh of the Progressive Democrats is rethinking her position in relation to this House. I suppose a little spell in Government with Fianna Fáil makes people see a certain degree of reality. We would certainly welcome her here to the Opposition benches, which I think is the appropriate place today.
One point I will make and that is in relation to the workings of the Seanad. It is my first time in the Seanad. I must say that in the course of the Seanad sittings I felt that its position was being strengthened vis-a-vis the procedures of the other House. There was a considerable move towards reform of the Seanad and, as a consequence, some very substantial legislation was initiated here. We have before us today from the Dáil legislation which initially received a very thorough examination in the Seanad. That was perhaps the greatest development that took place. There was greater emphasis on major issues in this session and I would certainly like to see that development continuing in the next Seanad.
A Chathaoirligh, tá mé a cheapadh gurb é seo an chéad uair a tharla sé i stair na tíre go raibh Cathaoirleach an Seanaid bainteach leis an síniú maidir leis an gCoimisiún Uachtaránachta agus ba cheart dúinn mar Theach ár mbuíochas agus ár gcomhghairdeas a chur in iúl duit as an bhaint atá agat leis an lá stairiúil seo. Ba mhaith liom mo leithscéal a ghabháil leat faoi, b'fhéidir, nár iompair mé mé féin i gceart cúpla uair nuair a bhí mé ag troid ar son na teanga nó ar son m'fheisteas éadaí sa Teach seo.
Tá gníomhaíocht ar bun agam faoi láthair, ó thaobh dhlíthiúlacht an Tí seo de i leith na Gaeilge agus i leith Achtanna an Oireachtais bheith ar fáil i nGaeilge. Is trua liom go bhfuil deireadh leis an Teach agus nach raibh deis agam leanúint ar aghaidh leis sin. Ach, é sin ráite, níl aon rud pearsanta agam in aghaidh an Chathaoirligh ná duine ar bith de bhaill choiste an Rialtais atá i gceist — cearta an duine amháin a bhí á bplé agam. Go n-éirí le chuile dhuine anseo, iad atá ag dul ar ais ag toghchánaíocht don Dáil nó don Seanad.
I would like to thank you for your gentle steering of what I would consider a very positive contribution from this Chamber, a gentleness which was always tempered with firmness. I wonder if you are going to embark on a new career as a professional canvasser/lobbyist?
Only for those for whom he is not enthusiastic to see back in this House.
May I also thank the Leader of the House, Senator Wright, the Chief Whip and Senator Manning on our side of the House who has helped all of us new Senators with his gentle, firm approach to politics on this side? Like Senator Keogh, I felt that debate in this House was very uplifting, and free from acrimony, except when we had political jousting now and then. I wish everyone who is looking for a seat in the other House, including myself, the very best of luck. I also wish good luck to everybody who wishes to continue here.
I would like to begin by thanking the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy in the way he has conducted the business of the House since he took up office. At all times he has been fair and evenhanded in his dealings with Members. I would also like to pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach's staff for the way in which they have looked after us in this Seanad. Despite the fundamental differences that divide us, it is important on an occasion like this that I should say it has been my privilege to meet some of the finest people on both sides of this House. It is also important to say that all of us, from whatever side of this House, feel that we are here to serve the people. We have a belief in democracy and it is not unfair at times to defend the profession to which we belong. The value of that profession has been manifest during this Seanad and it is no harm to say it. To all colleagues, I wish them well in whatever they do in the future, whether it be in this House, the other House or elsewhere.
I would remind the House we have a time limit to deal with the various items. We should not waste time.
I thought that on occasions like this that it would suffice for the leader of each party to speak.
We have time limits.
I am one of the long serving Members of the Oireachtas; just one month from now I will be 22 years in the Oireachtas. Despite the hard work and all that went with it, it was a very happy time for me. I hope to be back here again for a further period of two, three, four or five years, or for however long the next Government will last.
I would like to be associated with the tributes to you, a Chathaoirligh, for the excellent job you have done since you became Cathaoirleach. I compliment the Leader of the House who performed excellently. The smooth running of the House, the quality of debate and the amount of business we have got through have been contributed to in no small way by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Manning, who proved himself an excellent Leader. May I also pay tribute to the Leas-Chathaoirleach who was a major contributor to what happened here in the last term.
I do not want to delay the House and I realise there is a time schedule but nobody will be offended if I mention one small party we thought would never sit in the House. They were the junior party in Government and they seemed to be opposed to this House. I hope their time here has converted them.
It was agreed this morning; they are converted.
I was delighted to hear two of them speak this morning and I hope we will hear no more putting down of the Seanad. The three Progressive Democrat Members made a major contribution to the debate here. I do not want to take from anybody's contribution but they put their hearts into it. They spoke in every debate and made a major contribution. I hope I am not offending anybody here when I say that their party gave us Government for the last three and a half years. In 1989 it looked as if we would have a second Seanad election within a month or two because it seemed no Government could be formed. Great credit is due to the Progressive Democrats for giving us Government for that period. I hope that whatever combination of parties make up the next Government, we will not have another election for three, four or five years.
I thank you personally for the great work you have done as Cathaoirleach. You are a very good Cathaoirleach. I would like to pay a tribute to Senator Wright who probably will never be back here again, but we will see him in the Lower House.
I have a book with me called Successful Marriage: A Family System Approach to Couples Therapy, and it is recommended reading for the leaders of any future coalition, although I expect we will have single party Government in the near future.
I would like to pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach for the excellent way he conducted business while in the Chair and also when he was Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party here. I do not want to single out the people to whom tributes would be appropriate but it is encouraging to hear the new evaluation of the Seanad from the Progressive Democrat members. I sincerely hope that reflects the views of the Progressive Democrats generally.
The contributions made by the members of the Progressive Democrats in this House, while people might have expected them to be casual and indifferent have been very informative and constructive. The House owes them a debt of gratitude for that.
I wish everybody in this House well in the weeks and months ahead, particularly in the context of the general election. I hope those who seek election to the Dáil will be successful and that those who seek election to the Seanad will also be successful. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy, co-operation and help. I would also like to single out the Leader of the House, Senator Wright, and to pay tribute to him for his excellent handling of affairs in recent times.
Before calling the Leader of the House may I pay a very special tribute to him. He was Whip when I was Leader, and he has been Leader for nearly two years. His commitment to the House as Leader and as Whip has been above the call of duty.
I would also like to pay tribute to Senator Eoin Ryan and to Senator Tom Fitzgerald in the Government Whip's office. In a very quiet way they have done trojan work for this House. May I also thank the group leaders, in particular Senator Manning, the Leader of the Opposition and Senator Liam Naughten, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, who has helped me in a great way. You have all been excellent Senators and I wish you the best of luck in the future.
The only question asked this morning was by Senator O'Toole about the timing of the Seanad election. I hope the Minister, who is in the House, will take note of that and get the information back to those who are concerned. May I take this opportunity to thank all the Members of what was a constructive Seanad. We played a small part in democracy over the last number of years. I want to put on record that one of the reasons the House was successful was the co-operation all the leaders on this side received from the Opposition Members. I would like to thank Senator Manning and Senator Cosgrave of the Fine Gael Party, Senator O'Toole representing the Independent group, Senator Upton of the Labour Party and Senator Keogh of our separated brethren for all their help in ensuring that we had a successful Order of Business most days. I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues, Senators Eoin Ryan and Fitzgerald in the Whips Office for the excellent work they have done, to the Clerk and all the staff for the support and help they have given us and for putting up with me over the years, to the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach for their advice and support. They were rightly complimented this morning by all sides of the House. I wish everybody success in whatever career they are pursuing.
Order of Business agreed to.