Before we proceed with the Orders of the Day I want to make an announcement in connection with the election of the Committee to deal with the payment of Ministers, Chairman, Deputy-Chairman, and Members.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - COMMITTEE ON SALARIES.
I would like to ask how we should address you—whether as Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleac, or Chairman?
The word is Ceann Comhairle or Chairman. Ballot papers have been prepared for voting on proportional representation lines. 14 nominations have been received up to the present, and the names of those nominated have been entered on the ballot paper in no particular order, but just as they were received. The President suggests that the time for handing in the nominations should close at 3.30. We should, I think, now have to make it a quarter to 4. Any further names handed in will be added to the ballot papers and handed to the Deputies for recording their votes. It is expected the count will be completed about 7 o'clock, when I will announce the result. I presume it, is needless to add any statement in connection with the method voting. Deputies can vote for every name on the ballot paper by putting in a number, and no number can be put in twice.
Is there any provision for illiterate voters?
I do not think any Minister should act on the Committee.
The Deputies nominated are:—
MICHAEL DOYLE.
CATHAL O'SHANNON.
T.J. O'CONNELL.
W.E. THRIFT.
G. GAVAN DUFFY.
M.J. HENNESSY.
J.H. DOLAN.
GEO. NICHOLLS.
ML. STAINES.
THOS. O'DONNELL.
J.B. WHELEHAN.
DAN McCARTHY.
CHRISTY BYRNE.
P. HOGAN.
One Minister, the Minister for agriculture, has been nominated, but the President desires that no Minister should be on the Committee.
I think it preferable that no Minister should be on the Committee.
On a point of order, is any Assistant Minister on the Comittee?
Will there be any definite terms of reference to the Committee of the House?
I think the Committee can make their own terms themselves. I take it it is decided that the name of the Minister for Agriculture will be removed from this ballot paper.
Agreed.