Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

It is not true that this was to use up the time in the Seanad when we have other important issues to debate.

I also welcome the inclusivity, tolerance and democracy of taking all viewpoints on board in the Seanad. That is the way we should and need to go. However, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the fact the CPP itself is not inclusive. The three Sinn Féin Senators are not represented on it and were not consulted on this decision on Standing Orders. While we support this decision, we would like our favour not to be taken for granted at any stage. We recommend we are given representation on the CPP at some stage.

I congratulate the Leader on the decisiveness he showed in taking up this issue. I hope he will be as decisive in some of the other calls we have had for important debates. For example, I have called for a debate on Galway transport but the Leader does not see it as a national issue or indeed one for the Seanad. I believe it does and is equally important as this debate.

We have called for debates on other issues such as regional development which we have not had yet. I hope they can be dealt with the same urgency, reverence and importance as this debate has been. In the call for inclusivity, tolerance, democracy and of listening to all opinions, I hope the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of the Assembly in Northern Ireland will be invited to attend the Seanad as soon as possible for an equally important debate. A Thursday afternoon might be a good time as it appears the best time to get Members into the Chamber for these types of debate.

I also welcome the allocation of five minutes to speak on this topic. Yesterday, I was given two minutes to speak on media standards when I would have liked to have had three more minutes to debate.