Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have supported Senator Paul Coghlan's call for a debate in respect of the Standards in Public Office Commission. I was about to state, in the context of disrespectful comments, that when we return in the autumn there may be a calmness in the House. In that context, I thank the staff of the Seanad for their endless patience during a difficult few weeks. We look forward to Jody Blake's return in the autumn.

I wish to inform those who may be available in August that next week, as part of the Yeats Summer School, I will be hosting possibly the first debate on the future of the Seanad with two wonderful former Senators, Dr. Mary Henry and Mr. John Horgan. We will be discussing the importance of scrutiny, the role the latter plays in politics and the role the Seanad has played in this regard. I trust this will form part of a robust debate on the Seanad and its future.