Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and the Members of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for inviting, hosting and facilitating the visit of the President of the European Parliament to Seanad Éireann yesterday. It was an informing and productive session and Seanad Éireann distinguished itself with the standard of questions, including Senator O'Brien's questions, from all leaders in the House and with the fruitful engagement with our esteemed guest. I understand the CPP is currently deliberating on how it will respond to the reform of Seanad procedures whereby on our behalf the CPP can invite civic leaders to the House. The way we conducted our business yesterday with Mr. Jerzy Buzek was appropriate, respectful and productive.

I suggest that with the Private Members' motion passed in the House one month ago with regard to reform of the way we conduct our business we have found a model of engagement that could work. It allowed for respect and consideration, it gives the Seanad a new perspective and information on how it can and should conduct its business. The event, the questions and the wrap-up by the Leas-Chathaoirleach were appropriate and productive. I learned a good deal yesterday. The event illustrated to everyone in the House and the wider public how we can be innovative. In addition, the fact that the Visitors' Gallery was full of interested politicians and citizens should encourage the CPP to offer this working model of engagement as a solution to the implementation of our motion. Today is also an important day that will see the publication of the Murphy commission's report on the Cloyne diocese and reports of child sexual abuse. Members have been hearing for months about the state of our financial bankruptcy and this report is expected to continue to drive home our moral bankruptcy as well. Many issues will arise from the publication this afternoon of the aforementioned report, of which financial compensation will only form a small but important part. Bearing witness and seeking justice are the key drivers, something that still has not been satisfied with regard to the Murphy report on the Dublin archdiocese or indeed the Ryan report that was published three years ago.

I commend Deputy Quinn on his statement last week on continuing to press the religious congregations to transfer ownership of schools to the State to make up the shortfall in the 50% contribution to the redress bill's overall cost of €1.3 billion. The lack of prosecutions arising from the Ryan report has been a disappointment considering that it has been made public for three years and took ten years to complete. Everyone in Irish society, wherever one lives, has a moral duty to remember all those who suffered and to fight for justice for them and for their long-suffering families. I ask the Leader to set aside time to discuss the Murphy commission of investigation into the Catholic diocese of Cloyne before the summer recess in order that Seanad Éireann can consider the report and bear witness.