THE Leader of the Seanad should have a constitutional standing, as the Taoiseach had in the Dail, Mr Maurice Manning, said last night.
Winding up the debate on reform of the Upper House, the Sean ad Leader said his office should have a stronger statutory basis.
The Leader had no independent power basis, and the position was not recognised in the way it should be. It was one that had evolved over the years.
If a real leadership role was to be given for reform and direction of the House, the leader of the day should have his or her position backed up by some form of statutory recognition.
He was not seeking such status for himself but he believed, from experience, that it was necessary, he added.
The Cathaoirleach and the Leas Cathaoirleach rightly had constitutional recognition, Mr Manning said. The Taoiseach, as leader of the Dail, also had such recognition. In a more modest way, there should be the same recognition for the Leader of the Seanad, whoever that person happened to be.
Mr Manning said the only valid argument for a second chamber was that it be a good one, and that it added to the value of the political process.