Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I extend my best wishes for Christmas to colleagues and to everyone associated with the House. Senator O'Keeffe referred to the meetings of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, which were held in the Chamber, as one of the highlights of our work programme for the year. Those meetings were indeed very effective. I do not know what sort of permission would be required - perhaps it would have to come from the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, or the Cathaoirleach - but in view of the fact that the Seanad has shown itself to be the ideal forum for public consultation, I request that the Joint Committee on Health and Children be advised that the very important public hearings due to be held on 8, 9 and 10 January, inclusive, in respect of the abortion issue should be held here. There will be a massive amount of interest in those hearings, not just among members of the public but also among Oireachtas Members, and I believe they should take place in the Seanad Chamber rather than in the committee rooms. As everyone is aware, a maximum of 15 to 20 Members can be present and contribute at meetings held in the committee rooms. A significantly higher number of Deputies and Senators will wish to be involved in the hearings that are due to be held.