David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I welcome the steps forward in establishing the constitutional convention. I ask the Leader to ensure the convention is inclusive in its composition and engagement. The State has a great opportunity to properly engage with as many citizens as possible on the future of the Constitution and the country. It would be the perfect opportunity to address some of the issues raised by Senator Gilroy regarding what defines us as Irish people and as a nation. The Constitution is one thing that does that and it provides opportunities. I also echo the call a previous Senator made. Seanad reform should and must form part of the constitutional convention. However, so should Dáil reform. If the constitutional convention does not deal with the future of the Seanad or the Dáil, it will represent a significant missed opportunity.

I ask the Leader to convey the message to the Taoiseach that my party would support the inclusion of the future of this House. We need to ensure that we do not simply abolish the Seanad without considering what should replace its powers and functions. The place to do that is in the constitutional convention. If we do not allow the convention to consider the future of the Oireachtas and the Dáil, it will represent a missed opportunity.