Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I second the vote of thanks to Dr. Manning who has made a thought-provoking and inspiring address. He has certainly posed many challenges for us, not only in the area of human rights, but also on the issue of the future of this House. In his ten years as president of the Irish Human Rights Commission, he has carried out his duties in an exemplary manner and continues to do so. It is only right and fitting that we in this House debate the contents of the reports of the commission and the later periodic reviews. We will certainly facilitate a debate on these subjects.

The aim of the House and its Members is to make it more relevant through the promotion of real change and reform. Unfortunately, the press does not cover the proceedings of the House in any meaningful way, with the exception of one reporter, Mr. Jimmy Walsh. It does not cover debates such as today's in a meaningful way. Each day we sit in the House we hear excellent contributions on a wide range of issues by many Senators which receive very little coverage in the media. However, that is a matter for another day and something we will have to address.

I again join the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Chathaoirleach in thanking Dr. Manning for coming. He has made an excellent address which I am sure will inform us in our deliberations in the future.