I join with Senator Manning and other Members in congratulating Dr. Garret FitzGerald on his appointment as Chancellor of the NUI. It is a great honour for him and for Seanad Éireann. Former Members of this House have become Presidents while others who began their careers here have been appointed to distinguished positions. I will inquire about the information leaflet on the forthcoming referendum and will come back to the House on the matter.
Senator Henry asked about the possibility of the House sitting during the presidential election week. It has been the precedent of the House not to sit the day after the bank holiday. Bearing in mind the election is on a Thursday, I do not propose that the House sit that week. The House must deal with a considerable amount of legislation before Christmas and judging from the number of debates which have been called for, to most of which I will accede, Senators may be poised for a busy time between now and Christmas. Perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, could discuss sitting additional days.
Senators Costello, Connor and Brendan Ryan called for a debate on the refugee issue, with which I have no problem. I will make time available at the earliest possible opportunity. Senators Ryan, Quinn, O'Dowd, Lanigan and Farrell spoke about the 20 deaths on the roads in recent days. We discussed this matter at length last night and perhaps this morning is a sensitive time in the House as a former colleague has lost his life. I have no objection to a debate on this matter. Perhaps the leaders of the various groups in the House could discuss this matter to see how best to facilitate Members' requests.
Senator Quinn requested statements on Bord Bia. I understand statements are taking place in the Dáil but I have no problem with his request and will accede to it. He also called for a debate on EMU a number of weeks ago and I am pleased to say the Minister for Finance will open that debate after the Order of Business. I would like as many Members as possible to participate in this discussion. I will monitor the participation of Members to assess the genuineness of calls for debates.
Senator Connor and Senator Dardis asked about the future of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. All Members would like the forum to be reconstituted but, as Senator Dardis pointed out, it is impossible for them to be in two places at the one time. We will keep the matter under review and will welcome its return. Senator Finneran called for a debate on house prices. I overlooked his request yesterday but Members will appreciate that when the Order of Business takes over one hour it is easy to overlook a request. Perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges might consider tightening it up, a suggestion with which Senator Connor, a new and distinguished Member, will agree.