Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Constitutional reform has been on the agenda for some time on foot of the report from the all-party Oireachtas group. It is undeniable that our current political system is in need of reform and the Government has committed to this reform. It is ongoing at present. There have been many reforms, but too many to list here. They are a one day wonder when they happen and are then forgotten. However, one cannot change the world in a day.

The establishment of the convention on the Constitution is an important and exciting initiative that represents an innovative approach to examining constitutional reform. I commend the Government for establishing it. The range of matters that the convention will be asked to consider includes both institutional and social issues. Initially, it will examine reducing the President's term of office to five years. That is not to be lightly passed over because the term of office is an important issue. It will require consideration and cannot be decided in an hour. I have heard some people say it is a "Yes" or "No" issue but the time span is important. The convention will also consider reducing the voting age to 17 years, which is another important issue.

There has been some criticism that the work programme for the convention does not go far enough and that it should encompass even more comprehensive reform. The Government remains of the view that the work programme outlined in the resolution is appropriate. The issues that will be before the convention are not light matters, but it is open to the convention to consider other matters as well. Its time span is not unlimited and we would be the first to criticise if it could take forever and was given too broad a remit without a time to report. However, to show that the Government is prepared to consider calls for a more comprehensive work programme, there is a facility for the constitutional review group to consider other topics. The timeframe within which the convention must complete its work is important. Indeed, concerns have already been expressed that the convention will have insufficient time to complete the work programme outlined in the resolution. If there is that criticism on the one hand, how can one add to its work burden on the other?

It is through this mechanism that the issue of the presidential nomination process could be tackled. Perhaps in the future the constitutional convention's brief could be extended to examine it. However, it is not included at present and it would be wrong to overload the convention. We have already passed a motion that the Seanad review should be part of the convention's work. In fact, it would probably be easier to rewrite the Constitution than to give the convention piecemeal diktats on every issue, and every Member can point to something in the Constitution that they would like to change. However, issues must be prioritised.

It is our duty to prevent the convention on the Constitution from being regarded as a missed opportunity to grapple with other big issues.

The issues that will be considered are important and appropriate. It is the first time in the history of the State that there is to be a citizens' assembly advising the Government, and that is recognised by the people. While the convention is to have 30 Members of the Oireachtas, the majority will be citizens from outside the Oireachtas. It is a participative democratic initiative and ought to be very much welcomed.

I will not elaborate on the nomination process. A referendum would be required if we were to do what Senator Norris proposes.