Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to contribute. On Senator Ó Murchú's comments on Friday sittings, it must be noted that we are living in exceptional times and that the Seanad will have met on four occasions on Fridays by the time this session ends. Friday sittings are no longer exceptional. As a result, some form of Order of Business should be held. I suggest a compromise. I accept that the Leader is under pressure but we could limit the Order of Business to 30 minutes and also commence our proceedings at 10.15 a.m. I ask the Leader to give consideration to this arrangement because it would probably be of assistance in accommodating everyone's needs.

The document circulated to Deputies and Senators today by Amnesty International to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights contains ten action points, one of which states: "Interestingly, the Government tends to be more enthusiastic about incorporating human rights treaties where the beneficiaries are mainly outside the State rather than those benefiting people living in Ireland". Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to include in the Charities Bill a clause specifically relating to the promotion of human rights. The Labour Party will be pushing an amendment to this effect and will be asking for support from Members on all sides.