Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

I congratulate the House on the public launch at noon today of the Seanad consultation committee. I commend all here. My mother says self-praise is no praise, but it is important that we are seen to celebrate some of the reform we promised our constituencies. I know I was not elected, but I know from my community that it is important that we continue to engage with civil society and citizens with regard to the business of the Seanad. In that context, I was impressed and pleased that for two recent debates - the debate on human rights and the debate on the arts - while we had an empty media gallery, we had a full Visitors Gallery. It behoves all of us to ensure the Visitors Gallery continues to be full. The cynicism of the media will change once it realises we have the authority and influence to try and open up Seanad Éireann to visitors and the community.

Who, following Dr. Maurice Manning, will be the next significant civil leader to address the Seanad? We need to know this so that we can prepare, debate and communicate with citizens so that the Visitors Gallery will be full.