Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

The Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children has advised me that the report to be published today on children in care will be debated in full in the committee tomorrow. That will give an opportunity for Members of the House who sit on the committee to take part in that debate.

I wish to raise a matter relating to the constitutional debate. A decision has been taken that a referendum will be held on whether we retain or abolish the Seanad. I do not necessarily believe this matter should be referred to the constitutional convention. There are 11 reports on Seanad reform, however, but few or none of the proposals in those reports have been implemented. Before we hold the referendum on the Seanad it may be useful for a small group to be established to produce a report on the possible options for retention of the Seanad as it is, its abolition or reform in order that the electorate could make a judgment when it comes to the referendum and in order that options are in place. We cannot put the options in the referendum. At least there would be information for the general public about the possible reforms that could take place in regard to how the Seanad is elected, its composition, its numbers and the constructive role it plays and will continue to play if the necessary reforms are brought about. That would be a useful exercise. If such a group is set up, it should be given a timescale in which to produce the report. There is no reason it could not be produced within six months, which would then allow a very informed debate to take place during the referendum on this matter. I ask the Leader to take this on board.