Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yes. I said previously that we would give consideration to involving citizens from the Six Counties in the convention. The convention will have the inclusivity that will allow Members of the Dáil, the Seanad, local authorities and ordinary citizens to have their say and it will move throughout the country in the same way as the Forum on Europe did. We also propose to give consideration to including a Northern connection in the convention. The results of the convention will be considered by the Government and be a matter for discussion among the parties. When the proposals for establishing the convention are put together, we will discuss them with the Opposition leaders. I will discuss with Deputy Martin and Deputy Adams, the leader of the Independent group and the Socialist Party leader the issues of timing and how we will go about it. It is of considerable importance and I would be very happy to have the view of Deputy Higgins on it.

Deputy Martin asked about the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. I would like to hold that referendum on the same date as we hold the referendum on children's rights. Both of these issues are under discussion. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is in discussion with the Attorney General and the children's advocacy groups to see whether we can arrive at an appropriate wording to put to the people.

The question of the abolition of the Seanad and the removal of Articles and references to the Seanad and its responsibilities is the subject of considerable work in my Department at the moment. I do not have a timescale for this and do not want to give Deputy Martin a date in case unforeseen constitutional complications arise. However, it is my intention to hold the referendum at an appropriate date and as early as possible next year when the issues are clear. I cannot give a date at this stage, but plan to hold the two referenda together.

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