Seanad reform committee terms
Senators Coghlan and O'Sullivan, along with the Cathaoirleach, congratulated Senator McDowell on his election as chair and asked about the committee's make-up and terms of reference.
I congratulate Senator McDowell on his chairmanship of the committee to deal with Seanad reform. Have I heard correctly that a Cabinet Minister will sit on the committee? It is surely a first. I very much welcome Senator McDowell's indication that he is open to all sorts of suggestions. We all have ideas for the Seanad. Perhaps the Leader will outline in his response how his hands are tied, if they are at all, and the terms of reference. Is there any general information he can give us?
Comment on this
I neglected to congratulate Senator McDowell on his unanimous election as Chairman of the Seanad reform committee.
Comment on this
He has had many people congratulating him and I am about to add to them. I am afraid his head will swell. I offer my congratulations as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann to the Senator. I am sure he will treat his work with the attention it deserves and the results will be something of credit to the Senator in the decades to come.