Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I will not go into that point now.

I have tried to get information to address the information deficit. An expert advisory group will be established to assist the convention in its work and give specialist guidance on a variety of issue. Back-up support will be available for the people from Belmullet or from Stoneybatter to be able to understand the issues that are before them, to give them guidance and advice that is not driving them in a particular direction but giving them the information for the people to make up their minds on the issues before them. This support will come from academics, perhaps from Trinity College, but also from the political scientists in UCD, from people who are in a position to give the necessary information that people will ask for.

The convention will last for one year after the first meeting and will report to the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas will have plenty of opportunities to debate the recommendations and to express their views on them.

The convention will draw up more work that will have to be done regarding other issues the constitutional convention must consider. The same members will apply. Senator Bradford asked whether there will be a change in membership and a number of Senators asked the same question. The same people will remain for the 12 months. That is from the date of the first meeting and they will remain for the duration of the entire convention.

Members of the public will be selected at random. In general they will be, as far as possible, representative of society as regards age, gender, region and social class. I hope that Donegal will not be left out but I cannot deliver for Senator Jimmy Harte.