Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Darragh O'Brien in welcoming Dr. Nada Dhaif to the Visitors Gallery. This House has already passed an all-party motion expressing our full support for the medical professionals who were sentenced to long periods in prison in Bahrain, in keeping with the Seanad's long tradition of supporting persons whose human rights are abused. I assure the Senator and the other Members who raised this matter that I will convey their concerns to the Taoiseach later today. I understand the Tánaiste is currently out of the country, but I will raise the issue with his officials. I accept the urgency attaching to the matter given that the retrials will take place on Thursday.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate in this House on the proposed constitutional convention. I already gave an undertaking last week to arrange such a debate and will attempt to do so before the summer recess. Senator Bacik also referred to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, the first report of which, on older people, will be discussed in the Chamber next week. The matter currently under discussion is cancer prevention, and we will have a full day of public consultation next week involving all of those who have made submissions in this regard.

Senator David Norris made several suggestions in regard to the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Perhaps the Senator will submit his queries for debate as an Adjournment matter, which will allow him to receive a reply from the relevant Minister. That would be the opportune approach to take.