Yesterday, I contacted the head usher in order to book the audio-visual room for a presentation from the Irish Deaf Society prior to a Private Members' motion on Irish sign language which I have tabled and which is due to be taken next week. This is an extremely important issue which affects thousands of deaf people throughout the country who find it very difficult to communicate at the best of times. I was informed that it would not be possible to avail of the audio-visual room because the CPP has decided that NGOs are no longer allowed to use the facility. The latter is another example of the constructive removal of the voice of democracy in this country.

It is absolutely disgraceful that NGOs can no longer come to this complex in order to brief Members of Parliament in order to enhance their knowledge. Furthermore, my office received a telephone call from the head usher approximately 30 minutes ago in which he indicated that a briefing on restorative justice, which was due to be held on 15 October and arrangements in respect of which were made weeks ago, cannot proceed and that the relevant stakeholders have been informed.

That is undemocratic.

It is completely unprofessional and disgraceful.

The Taoiseach probably made the decision.

This makes a mockery not just of the Seanad but also the Houses of the Oireachtas. What should I say to those who were due to brief us on restorative justice and who had made arrangements to take time off work? Should I inform them that a committee comprising Members of this House and the Lower House has decided to prevent the key, important and democratic voice of NGOs from being heard in the Seanad? What is happening is nothing short of appalling.

The Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges has not met to discuss this issue. It has not come before the CPP. I call Senator Cullinane.

I appreciate that clarification. I would have been surprised if Members of this House had been involved in it. I call for an urgent meeting of the Seanad CPP to reverse this appalling situation and I want the Cathaoirleach to facilitate that.

I intended to raise a different issue but I must support the comments of the previous speaker. I was completely unaware of that situation. I also have organised a number of events and meetings at which NGOs were to come in and brief Oireachtas Members on different issues, as I am sure have other Senators and Deputies. It would be appalling and bizarre if Oireachtas Members were prevented from inviting NGOs, voluntary groups, community groups and other groups to address Members of this House, which is exactly what we are paid to do. We are paid to legislate and to listen to people who are experts in their field. If a decision was made by whoever that this is no longer allowed to happen for whatever reason, it is a retrograde step and it needs to be reversed. All political parties need to work together to have decision reversed.

I commend the Leader and the acting Leader on arranging the address last week by the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. It was a very good discussion. It is important to follow that up with a debate on workers' rights and to address many of the issues that were raised, primarily the need for collective bargaining and trade union recognition but also the issue of zero hour contracts and issues affecting working people. The Leader will know that the Government is preparing to streamline and improve the employment rights bodies through the workplace relations Bill. It would be an opportune time for Senators to have a discussion on how we can help shape that legislation in advance of the Bill being introduced because the trade unions have concerns. There is also the issue of the reform of the joint labour committees, JLCs, and a potential Bill on collective bargaining or something happening in that area. A debate on this area would be constructive. We would be able to bring to it the views of the trade unions and of working people in terms of what they would want. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate. I strongly support the views expressed by Senator Conway.