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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Seanad abolition campaign posters

Summary

Senators demand withdrawal of what they describe as misleading posters claiming Seanad abolition would save €20 million; the Cathaoirleach notes procedural consideration.

David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I have a serious question for the Deputy Leader. Will she contact her colleagues in government today and demand that the poster suggesting abolishing the Seanad will save €20 million be withdrawn immediately. They have already had to withdraw a poster which was illegal, which featured Björn Borg without his permission and which drew a comparison with Sweden which is defective because in Sweden the Whip was withdrawn. Therefore, the Taoiseach could not have fired conscientious objectors in his party.

Comment on this

There is one Björn every minute, I think.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

That poster is a lie, about which there is no doubt. Senator John Crown, our colleague, flattened the Minister for Transport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, on "The Late Debate" last night. The Minister was reduced to saying the Government stated the figure was €20 million, the Seanad stated €6 million, the Referendum Commission stated €8 million; perhaps we should take the difference. That indicates we do not know anything about it, are completely ignorant on the cost and do not know what we are talking about. The important point, however, is that the Minister had to agree that whatever the figure was, it was not a saving. It is a cost, not a saving. Therefore, the poster is a deliberate lie.

Taxpayers' money is being used to feed them lies. The poster must be withdrawn. I will also write to the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Referendum Commission. I put it to the Deputy Leader, as a matter of grave importance to democracy in this country, that this poster which has been demonstrated to be a lie, as admitted to by a Cabinet Minister, should be withdrawn. The Government is using its resources all over the city. We see nothing but poster after poster referring to the abolition of the Seanad and the saving of €20 million. We now know that it is not true and the poster must be taken down.

With regard to the comments of my colleague Senator Sean D. Barrett on the North-South Inter-Parliamentary Association, this is an arrogant and spiteful Government. It wanted to have its meeting in the Seanad Chamber on the day of the referendum. I am glad to say I scuppered it and that it will not happen.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

That matter was dealt with by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

The behaviour of the Government is disgraceful. Take it down from the masthead, Fenian traitors.

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