Another matter that I would like to raise is the question of a Committee of Procedure and Privileges which was suggested in the early part of the Session. It was generally understood, I think, that a Committee to deal with the Procedure of the Dáil and the Privileges of Members was to be set up, but so far as I am aware no such Committee has been set up yet. The need for it is greater to-day than ever because of the coming into being of another House of the Parliament of Saorstát Eireann. And there is necessity, in my opinion, for some formal procedure to be devised for the consideration of Bills, the preparation of Bills, the consideration of estimates and the transfer from one House to another of proposed legislation and the general conduct of the business of the Dáil which is not provided for satisfactorily in the Standing Orders that we have now adopted, I think it is necessary to urge that such a Committee as was originally proposed should be set up immediately to devise ways and means for conducting the business of the Dáil/Oireachtas satisfactorily.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURE AND PRIVILEGES.
When the Standing Orders were considered on the 26th September it was decided to insert an Order which provides that a Committee of Procedure, on which the Government should be represented by not less than half its Members, should be set up. No motion has ever been made, and no motion has been received for the setting up of that Committee.
Arising out of that statement, I, as the person responsible for the suggestion that such a Committee should be created, would like to say that I did propose on one occasion in a motion handed in by me a method of dealing with the matter. And you said then—if my recollection is correct— that inasmuch as the Government had the leadership of the Dáil that this was a matter that should be brought forward on a motion emanating from the President. I would like you to correct or confirm my recollection on that matter.
The Standing Order Committee considered the question of a Committee on Procedure and they were of opinion—and I agree with them—that so far as á Committee on Procedure was concerned it should be nominated by the Ministry, and that it was the business of the Government.
We will bring forward a motion at once; as a matter of fact the Government did fix upon its nominees on the Committee, but there has been some delay and some confusion since.
It would be advisable to have a motion made as soon as possible, because the members could meet in the forenoon while the Dáil is in session.