Just over two weeks ago, we had an excellent opportunity in this House to hear from the First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, on ongoing relations between Ireland and Scotland in the light of Brexit. I was a little disappointed, however, that it was the first time ever that a Head of State or foreign leader had addressed the Seanad, considering that we had in the same week visits by the Maltese Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus. I came to believe the Seanad could be the ideal forum for foreign Heads of State when they visited this country, rather than simply having them meet the Taoiseach and relevant Ministers. It would be ideal to have a public forum with elected public representatives in which to discuss the aims of visitors' countries and of their countries' partnership with Ireland. Most important, they could outline the important challenges their countries will face in partnership with Ireland in the coming years, particularly because of Brexit. I call on the Leader and other relevant individuals to consider making the Seanad a central platform, as part of protocol, every time a Head of State or dignitary visits.

That is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

I ask that my request be passed on to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in order that we can accommodate addresses to the Seanad by foreign leaders on their visits.