On 23 October 2013, the Taoiseach when appearing before the Seanad told Senators, "I come in peace, not war". In regard to his promises to reform the Seanad and then to not reform it, where stands the promised legislation in regard to reform of the Seanad?

That question will have to be decoded.

I do not know why the Taoiseach looks so confused. That is what he said.

It is a period of détente at the moment. The Government has authorised the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to publish the heads of a Bill dealing with elements of the Seanad following the referendum decision by the people in 1979. During my visit to the Seanad, which was in peace and not war, I heard many proposals from Senators, some of which were valid but would require the holding of other referenda and others that require changes to the current structure. These proposals are currently being analysed. Following completion of this analysis I will engage with the Leader of the House on the most effective ways of bringing about change.