Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

I wish to record my appreciation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, and the Leader of the House proceeding so efficiently with the new Standing Order concerning the invitation of significant persons in public and civic life to attend the Seanad. There is an extraordinary, devastating famine occurring in the Horn of Africa. It is an increasing threat to human dignity and human life and to our understanding of the horror of famine and what is happening in terms of climate control. The former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, visited the Horn of Africa and has been there for the past two days. Events are being broadcast on television. My recommendation is that the Leader discusses with the CPP whether we can invite the former President, Mary Robinson, to the Seanad. She is a former Senator and could brief us on what is happening. It would be a gesture of solidarity with what is happening in the Horn of Africa and the Seanad could become a conduit for further clarification and information.