Irish MEPs are to make presentations on their work to the Seanad for the first time following an invitation from the leader of the Seanad, Ms Mary O'Rourke.
Ms O'Rourke said yesterday there had been a good response from the MEPs, most of whom will be seeking re-election next June. The presentations would give MEPs a forum to outline what they've been doing. "We want to know," she said.
With the Seanad conducting lengthy hearings during September on a reform study, the initiative to hear from MEPs is the latest effort to raise the profile of the Upper House.
Ms O'Rourke said a Seanad sub-committee hoped to finalise a draft report on reform before Christmas. The final report will be submitted to the Government in the new year.
In a letter to MEPs on October 2nd, Ms O'Rourke said the Seanad was encouraging a series of European debates.
She wrote: "During this current Seanad term we intend to invite MEPs on an individual basis to come to the Seanad chamber and talk on their work in the European parliament, the committees on which they work and their general view of EU business.
"In the light of the forthcoming European elections and more particularly in view of the fact that there is a growing demand for transparency in European affairs, we feel this would have a timely beneficial effect." The Seanad heard presentations in the past year from members of the Praesidium on the Future of Europe, who took part in the debate on the draft EU constitution, now the subject of an EU Inter-Governmental Conference.
