The invitation to the floor of Seanad Éireann, on a case by case basis, of appropriate leaders and representatives of civic life who have a significant contribution to make to the deliberations of this House is about celebrating the power and the vision of Seanad Éireann. The proposal set out in this motion is to innovate and change and is not new. However, the urgency to renew is pressing. Members should imagine, weekly or regularly from July onwards, that civic leaders and senior public servants could brief and engage in dialogue with Members in a mutually respectful way. The 2004 report states quite starkly that Seanad Éireann "has no distinctive role in the Irish political system". Perhaps this also was thought of the Irish presidency until Presidents Robinson and McAleese took hold of that office and innovated. In my new role as a Senator, I wish to hear in this Chamber, regularly and perhaps even weekly, the views of cultural, social, sporting, educational and community leaders, both North and South, as well as of our emigrants across the world. It could be called the citizens' hour. The detail and procedure can be worked out by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges but its impact and symbolism would enhance the role of the Seanad and the manner in which Members conduct their business overall. It would make it distinctive and would support the participative democratic objectives of the Oireachtas. Consequently, having seconded the motion, I commend it to the House.