Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael group I thank all our colleagues from the European Parliament who are attending this debate. They have not all arrived yet but will be joining in throughout the day. I am delighted to welcome the Fine Gael MEP, Deputy Simon Coveney. Our four other colleagues will be here later.

This is a momentous day for the House, connecting the European parliamentarians representing this country in Brussels and Strasbourg with the plenary session of the House. This was one of the key recommendations in the document on proposals for reform of Seanad Éireann. I look forward to the debate which will be held between now and 5 p.m. and to the contributions from all sides.