I wish the new Seanad review group success in its deliberations. The group comprises Mr. Maurice Manning, chairperson; Ms Mary O'Rourke, former Leader of the House and former Minister; former Senators Pat Magner and Maurice Hayes, former Northern Ireland ombudsman; Mr. Tom Arnold, chairman of the Constitutional Convention; Dr. Mary Murphy, UCD, and Ms Elaine Byrne, journalist. I understand they will begin their work next week and they must report by March. I acknowledge the e-mail from Senator Gerard P. Craughwell in which he outlined his proposal to extend the group, which is a fair point because it is limited. However, the group will take submissions from the organisations mentioned by the Senator. The group members have a limited time and they will not be in a position to recommend constitutional amendment. No new proposal will be put to the people regarding the Seanad now or in the future.

Does the Senator have a question?

The report on Seanad reform published in 2004 is a fine document, which previous Governments should have implemented. The group was chaired by Ms Mary O'Rourke and included former Members John Dardis, Brian Hayes and Joe O'Toole. That would have prevented the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Well thought out, logical and well researched reforms were put forward. I thought former Senator Joe O'Toole would have been appointed to the new group.

He is a member.

Senator Terry Leyden to conclude, without interruption. I am not allowing an argument about who is a member of the group.

The press release I read was from Independent Newspapers, but it must be inaccurate. I welcome the inclusion of Mr. O'Toole, as he is a logical choice who can bring his influence to bear. I am going on the press release from Independent Newspapers.