Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Harte referred to the difficulties soccer fans are experiencing in respect of obtaining visas for the game with Russia in particular. This is a matter which is close to my heart and I have received representations from quite a number of people about the previous occasion on which the national team played in Russia. The other team which the Republic is due to play - the name of which the Senator could not recall - is Armenia. I will make representations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of this matter. It is expected that several thousand Irish supporters will be travelling to Russia and we hope they will be treated with dignity and respect when they go there.

Senator Mullen referred to the proposed constitutional convention and whether the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad comes under the remit thereof. I am not quite sure of the position in this regard. Neither am I sure that it is possible to hold a "preferendum" rather than a referendum. That is a matter in respect of which legal advice will have to be taken.