With regard to the composition of the constitutional convention, I have concerns on the potential for elitism.

As the Deputy knows, these are only recommendations.

It is very difficult conceptually to envisage a convention that will be truly representative of the different strands of society. It might be useful, therefore, to produce a template or a number of templates or scenarios of what is envisaged in order that people could buy into this, as there is a danger that the great and good of Irish society, particularly those who fancy themselves more than others in terms of their contribution to Irish life, will predominate in such a convention. We must ensure, therefore, that this proposal is considered carefully.

With regard to children's rights, the Oireachtas joint committee engaged in consultations for some two and a half years. The last Government then considered the issue, took advice from the Attorney General and produced proposals which were published by the outgoing Minister of State with responsibility for children, Mr. Barry Andrews. While the Government may have issues with the last Government's final template, it is now decision time. We must be practical and decisions must be taken. The constitutional amendment on children's rights should have priority and I do not believe such a referendum should be held on the same day as the Presidential election. I strongly believe that if the amendment to the Constitution is a substantive one, it merits treatment on its own. The election of a President is a very serious issue in its own right which merits treatment on its own and consideration by the electorate. My position is that we should separate the two.

With regard to the abolition of the Seanad, I am struck by the Taoiseach's statement that it is not as simple as it sounds. The only ones who made it sound simple were the people in the Fine Gael Party for the past two years.

A question, please.

We look forward to that deliberation. Does the Taoiseach accept that the constitutional amendment on children's rights should be separate from the Presidential election?

The Deputy will recall that it was de Valera who abolished the Seanad without reference to anybody. At least we will have a full consultation process and ask the people. I am not watering it down; I just want to get the matter right. In order to ask the people, we must first produce a Bill and bring it before the House.

Of course.

In addition, there are constitutional implications. We want to get the matter right and are working on this.

My views on the Presidency and presidential elections are well known. My view is that the term of office should be shortened and that in the future presidential elections should be held on the same date as fixed-term European and local elections which occur at five year intervals, although that is also a matter for the people. In any case, the constitutional convention will give consideration to this question and how one might bridge the gap between the current five and seven year terms.

That is cosmetic.