Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Forum on Europe played an important role in the run up the last number of referenda. Given that it is unlikely a referendum on the so-called EU constitution will be held during the remainder of the lifetime of this Administration, what is the future of the forum? Does the Taoiseach expect it to meet on a number of occasions over the next 12 months or whatever? I agree with him that it is unlikely the French or the Dutch will go back to the constitution. Does he envisage a scenario where the non-contentious elements of the document will de facto be implemented, given that a number of them could be under way? Could the EU Heads of Government say, "The following are non-contentious and let us implement them and get on with it"?

In reply to Deputy Ó Caoláin, the Taoiseach stated he does not have any views outside the report prepared by the Seanad itself regarding its reform. However, it is important that the diaspora should be represented in the Oireachtas. A number of detailed discussions on motions and Private Members' Bills took place on this issue in the 1980s but it did not prove practical to implement a measure in this regard. Jim Higgins, MEP, offered to hand over his Seanad seat to an agreed appointee of the diaspora movement from Britain or wherever. That offer is still on the table and in view of the——

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