Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

I agree with what was said by Senators Bacik and O'Donovan. I congratulate the CPP on the recommendation to invite Mr. Jerzy Buzek to the Seanad next week. It is an excellent opportunity for the Seanad to engage with a senior politician from the European Parliament but I also welcome the fact that group leaders have an opportunity to ask questions and to engage with him.

On that note I wish to ask the Leader whether progress has been made in the CPP on the Private Members' motion passed in the House three weeks ago. In light of the commitment in the programme for Government to overhaul the way politics and government works, the House unanimously put in place arrangements to engage directly with well-informed citizens and to invite them to the floor of the Seanad on a case-by-case basis. The Leader said in a statement that the Seanad must "reform or die" so I know he is keen. Could he outline the progress that has been made at the CPP and whether we will have an appropriate leader of civil society in the House? July is a long month. For the first time in 823 years, it has five Fridays, five Saturdays and five Sundays. I look forward to seeing a member of civil society in the House before we rise for the summer.