Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The delay in the convention commencing operations is due to the appointment of a suitable chairperson. People have submitted names and the relevant individuals are being considered. Someone who has experience, will be acceptable to the public and understands what is involved is required to fill the position. That is the only reason for the delay.

As stated, the relevant citizens have been selected by the polling company engaged to fulfil this task. I do not have a list of the names of those involved. They will have to be ratified by the chairman of the convention, the first meeting of which will take place in Dublin and its purpose will be to bring everyone involved together in order that they might understand what it is they must do. The intention is for the convention to meet on a Saturday. Whether such meetings take place once or twice a month will be the subject of a decision by the chairman and the members of the convention. I expect that the convention will extend into rural areas and it will be a matter for the chairman and the members to decide whether they wish to visit Northern Ireland. Members of the convention will not be travelling abroad. However, members of the diaspora - from Australia to America and all points in between - will be able to engage with the convention on-line. People will be able to submit their comments, on a regular basis, via social media and by means of the convention's website. As will be the case with young people, the diaspora will, therefore, be fully informed and engaged through the mechanism of social media.

I hope I have given clear answers to the Deputy's questions. As soon as a person who is suitable to serve as chairman has been identified, I will inform the Deputy and others of that fact in order that we might proceed.

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