The Committee of Selection reports that it has discharged Deputy Gregory from the Select Committee on Enterprise and Economic Strategy and has appointed Deputy Mildred Fox in substitution for him.
I move: "That the Report be laid before the Dáil."
Report of Committee of Selection: Motion.
Question put and agreed to.
I now call on the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment to move the order for the Second Stage of the Electoral Bill, 1994.
It is unfair that two important Bills, both of which come within the brief of the two Opposition spokespersons, are being discussed at the same time. I know the Ceann Comhairle is not responsible for this, but I ask your office to do what it can to prevent a recurrence. The Electoral Bill, 1994 is being discussed in the House and at 11.30 a.m. the Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs will meet to discuss the Waste Bill. The Opposition spokespersons will be precluded from contributing to either this Bill or the Waste Bill. Will the Ceann Comhairle request the committee to postpone the start of its meeting?
I appreciate the Deputy's dilemma but he will appreciate that I am responsible only for what transpires in this Chamber, I have no control over committees of the House. They are autonomous and are convened and chaired by their own members.
I respect the independence of your position but could you use your influence to deal with this matter? Politicians generally do not mind using their influence. Could you ask your office to request the chairman of the committee, who, I believe, refused to postpone its meeting for an hour to facilitate us, to postpone it until 12.30 p.m.?
I am anxious to amicably resolve matters of this kind but I am conscious that I should not be seen to intervene or interfere in the affairs of any committee of the House.
I received a request for the meeting to be adjourned but it is not within my power to do so. In light of the conflict, I propose that the meeting begin at 11.30 a.m. and then adjourn to facilitate the Opposition spokespersons, whose request is reasonable. At the meeting I will propose that the committee adjourn for an hour.
That is a matter for the committee itself.
I thank the Minister of State.