David Norris (Independent)

Thank you. There is nothing whatever about some of the really serious issues. Even with regard to the Presidency, there was a report in 1998, signed up to by all the parties, which stated that the nomination process was completely undemocratic and unfair. The report made recommendations which were adopted by all parties. This matter was raised in the other House and was defeated by the Government. Is it serious about real constitutional reform? I rather doubt it is. Its composition is also questionable in that there is nobody from an expert constitutional background, from the universities and nobody with experience in this area. It is a completely cosmetic exercise designed to divert the people. The reform of Seanad Éireann or its abolition are not tabled. If this matter is not to be considered by the constitutional convention, then the whole thing is an insult to the Irish people and to everybody involved in the convention.