David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

Like previous speakers, I commend the appointments which have been made. At our last meeting, I commended my colleague from Waterford, Senator Maurice Cummins, on his appointment and I take this opportunity to do so again. I welcome his proposals in regard to the extension of how long we sit. I agree with previous speakers that we should sit until 30 July and return earlier in September. I also welcome the longer sitting periods and the fact we may sit on Fridays on occasion.

I welcome the formation of the second Independent group. I made the point at our last meeting that it was a very good choice by the Taoiseach to ensure a broad range of groups is represented. Their independence in this Chamber is very positive and I welcome it.

The Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House should take note while Sinn Féin may not have the magic number of five to form a group, I hope there would be some form of informal recognition of Sinn Féin as a group. In the spirit of fairness and reform, this may be something for the Chair and the Leader to consider.

In respect of Seanad reform, it is important that this House leads and is central to the debate. We all accept there will be a referendum and we must be part of whatever proposals are put to the people. At the first meeting of the 24th Seanad, the point was made that those of us who believe in a second Chamber need to work constructively together, where there is common ground. I hope this opportunity will be afforded to us. I welcome the suggestion we would invite outside organisations to the Chamber. There are many advocacy organisations which advocate for political reform, not just in regard to the Seanad but also in regard to local government, the Dáil, a new constitution and many other issues and ideas.

It is welcome that there will be a discussion on the report on the joint labour committees, JLCs. I remind the House that this was an independent report. Aside from just having a debate or discussion on those proposals, new and different proposals have been put forward by the Minister which deviate from the scope of that report. If we are to have a discussion, it must be wholesome and we must also discuss the Minister's proposals. With regard to the timeframe for consultation, while the Minister has referred to a period of ten days, the trade unions and social partners are deeply unhappy with that consultation process. If we are to discuss this report, we need to do so quickly if the Minister's consultation process is ten days. I welcome the fact the Minister stated he wanted to hear the views of public representatives across the State, including Members of this House.

A previous speaker referred to the report published today by the Ombudsman for Children, which is a critical and important piece of work. I was taken by what the Ombudsman for Children said this morning about law makers taking into account the rights of children. She cited the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act as an example of where, collectively, law makers failed to take into account the rights of children. It would be important, in the spirit of bringing people to this House, to invite the Ombudsman for Children to the Chamber. She made some telling points, and, if I can, I will read one quick paragraph from the report which-----