On a point of order. This question was put down by me and addressed to the Taoiseach, since I considered that it raised a question of major Government policy. Might I inquire whether it has been transferred to the Minister for Local Government on your authority or on that of the Taoiseach?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Method of Election to Seanad.
The Minister for Local Government is the responsible authority.
With great respect, I may say that I take exception to your ruling in the matter. A question in relation to the method of electing the Seanad and a suggestion that a Select Committee of the Oireachtas be appointed to consider the whole subject are matters of major Government policy and the question should have been addressed to the Taoiseach.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the present method of electing the Seanad is regarded as cumbersome, unrepresentative and generally unsatisfactory, and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Select Committee of the Oireachtas to examine the existing system and to make recommendations with a view to finding a better method of electing the Seanad.
The present method of electing the 43 panel members of the Seanad is laid down in the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act, 1947, which is based on the provisions of the Constitution and the recommendations of a Joint Committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The deliberations of this Committee extended over a period of 15 months and their report was furnished in May, 1947. In the circumstances, I do not consider that the appointment of a further Committee of the Oireachtas to examine the matter would serve any useful purpose.
The possibility of amending the law relating to Seanad elections with a view to simplifying and in some respects clarifying the provisions of the 1947 Act is under consideration.
Will the Minister agree that there is a grave feeling of dissatisfaction and uneasiness at the present method of election in the Seanad and that it is a matter that requires urgent consideration by the Government?
In the concluding portion of my reply I have indicated that a number of matters are being considered and that if it is found possible and desirable suitable amendments might later be proposed.
The system is as daft as a sixpenny watch.
Would the Minister consider it advisable to consult with the Opposition by means of a Select Committee or even by private consultations between the Government and the Opposition as to the type of election best suited to the Seanad?
In 1950 the Government of which the Deputy was a member approved of an inter-departmental committee to examine the whole matter and the Deputy is aware that that committee was given two months in which to make a report. That report is at present in my Department and has been circulated to other Departments and other Ministers.
Mr. Flanagan
Would the Minister give a guarantee that the Taoiseach will not appoint 20 instead of 11?
I never give guarantees.