Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

On behalf of fellow Senators, I welcome to the House Dr. Maurice Manning, president of the Irish Human Rights Commission, chair of the European group of national human rights institutions and former Leader of this House. Dr. Manning has served in the prestigious and influential role of president since his appointment to the Irish Human Rights Commission in 2002.

This newly elected Seanad is determined to modernise its procedures and actively engage with civic society. To begin this process we have changed Standing Orders to allow persons and representatives of public and civil life to address Seanad Éireann. Today is a particular milestone in that our guest is Dr. Maurice Manning, a former Leader of the House, who has had a very distinguished career as a politician, academic and human rights campaigner. It is in recognition of his success and expertise in the area of human rights that he is invited here today to address the House. We are delighted that a person of such reputation and high standing is the first to address the Seanad under the new rules. It is, therefore, a great honour and privilege to invite Dr. Manning to address the House.