I support Senator Darragh O'Brien's comments on the banks. Regrettably, every Government action, legislative and otherwise, has been to rebalance matters in favour of the banks and against the individual customer. Ulster Bank came in very aggressively promoting unrealistic loans, and to hear that English person talking about repossession of Irish homes was utterly disgusting and repellant. Let us celebrate 237 years of American independence. As Senator Barrett pointed out, during those 237 years they found their Senate very useful. They have not got rid of that. Perhaps that is something the Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, could learn from them.

I have read this Bill. Many of the people who have spoken about it have not read it. It is obvious from what they say because they are saying they cannot vote against it because they would be denying the people a referendum. Rubbish. They should read the Bill. There is not one mention of the word "referendum" in this Bill or in the explanatory memorandum. It is entitled, Abolition of Seanad Éireann Bill. There are phrases such as "abolition day". There is not one whisper about a referendum. This is massive con job. It is a lie by the Government. They are trying to persuade us that if we vote against our own abolition we are voting against giving the people a choice. This is nonsense. No person of integrity could vote for this Bill and remain in the House. It is not giving the people a vote. We can all agree with that. We have all been looking for that. We have been begging the Government to do it and it has not. This is a massive lie perpetrated on the Irish people. I hope they will see through it because it is a power grab and a deception.

Hear, hear.

The people are used as a convenience. This is one opportunity. If they want to give the Government a little slap because of austerity, what it has done to the carers or the rebalancing in favour of the banks, this is the one opportunity for a free kick. If they defeat this referendum it will hurt the Government's pride, it will not hurt the economy of this country, it will help save democracy and we will ensure this House is reformed. In the meantime I do not want to hear anybody say this has to be voted through because it is the will of the people. It is not. Nobody can say they do not know. I have put it on the record. Let anyone who votes for this Bill get to hell out of this House and stop taking his or her salary. Anyone who thinks we are not worth it, are useless and ought to be abolished is unfit to take money from the people.

Hear, hear. It is taxpayers' money.