Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Lower House needs to take a good look at itself because this is not the fault of this House or the Leader of this House. Whoever deals with such matters in the Lower House should have a good look at how they do business. Perhaps that is the question that should have been put to the people on the previous occasion, and not whether this House should be retained.

An important project that will happen in the new year is the public consultation process on farm safety which has been initiated by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I called for that on the Order of Business some time ago because of the dramatic increase in the number of deaths on Irish farms. I thank the CPP for agreeing to hold a public consultation on farm safety and I was delighted to be asked to be a rapporteur for that committee. I notify Members of the House that the closing date for submissions from organisations and members of the public is 9 January.

Perhaps Members might alert individuals or organisations with an interest in farm safety to the fact that this process is under way and that they should have their submissions in by 9 January. That would be a great help. I can provide further information on the matter to interested Members. I look forward to the public consultation process, because ultimately it is utilising the experience and opportunity we have in the Seanad to deliver a report that will hopefully save lives. That is a very worthwhile endeavour. I look forward to the co-operation and support of all Members across the House on the project.