Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The 100 people who will serve on it could certainly be housed in Killarney. Will the convention have access to the services of a secretariat?

I do not accept the idea of selecting Deputies and Senators at random. I am of the view that they will have to be selected on a pro rata basis in accordance with the public's wishes as expressed in the most recent election. How many Senators are going to serve on the convention? It is stated that 66 citizens will be randomly chosen to serve. Perhaps the Minister will outline how it is envisaged to proceed in this regard.

For how long will the convention be in existence and how much time will it be given to compile and submit its report? Will the convention have any leeway to consider any subject matter which does not come exactly within its terms of reference? I look forward to hearing the Minister's views on the points I have raised.