I hope I am in order in making a personal explanation at this stage.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
It is usual to give notice to the Ceann Comhairle when a Deputy desires to give a personal explanation. I have not received notice from the Deputy. What is the personal explanation about?
This explanation will only take a moment. I have heard a rumour regarding my resignation from the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It has been stated that I resigned because of certain proceedings that took place at meetings of the Committee. I desire to contradict that. What led up to my resignation was: I was a nominee of the group known as the Independent group on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I acted on another committee in the same capacity. When the Joint Committee dealing with the question of elections to the Seanad came to be decided upon by the Committee of Selection, it would appear they considered that the Independent group were not entitled to representation on that Committee. It appears a name was sent forward—I think it was my own name—from that group to act on that Joint Committee. The Committee of Selection concluded that the Independent group were not entitled to representation on that important Committee dealing with the Constitution of the Seanad in the future, and, that being so, I considered I was wrong in acting on behalf of the Independent group on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I therefore resigned.