Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I rise to send out an SOS - save our Seanad. I am encouraged that in the five or six weeks since we have come back, the Leader is making valiant efforts to change the way we do business in the House. I must acknowledge that. I am also encouraged by Senator Mac Conghail's remarks, which indicate a lack of knowledge of what we do here, the importance of this House, etc. In an effort to improve the status of the House, I remarked on a number of occasions in the House, but particularly on the first day back when we elected the Cathaoirleach, on a hobbyhorse of mine but something I would like to see happen sooner rather than later. I would ask the Leader to arrange for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to be invited to this House separately as soon as possible. It would be a major step forward. It would cement the peace process, apart from adding to the status of this House which would be a side issue. I formally request that the Leader would advance in so far as he can that very worthwhile call that First Minister, Mr. Robinson, and Deputy First Minister, Mr. McGuinness, come to this Chamber. We could have a debate on progress in Northern Ireland. Nerves were frayed recently when we heard of certain incidents in Belfast but we in this House have a major opportunity to grasp something that the previous Seanad failed to do. I formally request that the Leader arranges a debate on Northern Ireland but, at the same time, also invites the First Minister. I am sure it can be done logistically. I sincerely ask the Leader that this be done, if possible-----