asked the Taoiseach when he intends to advise the President, in accordance with Article 18.8 of the Constitution, to fix a day for the first meeting of the Seanad.

I have advised the President to fix the first meeting of the Seanad for Wednesday, 1 November 1989.

Who will be the Members?

I have to admit I am somewhat relieved that the Taoiseach has taken action on this, because there was a danger that the formation of the Seanad would have a gestation period comparable to that of the elephant. Will the Taoiseach's earlier commitment to women's affairs, espoused earlier today, be reflected in his nominations to the Seanad?

The Deputy had better wait and see.

Question No. 7 please.

Following on Deputy Spring's question and the discussion we had a few moments ago on an earlier question, will the Taoiseach say if there will be any representatives of the two traditions in Northern Ireland in the new Seanad and will some of the 11 be women?

The question deals with the fixing of a date for the convening of the Seanad.

I have dealt with the question.