I thank members for returning so quickly after the short break for lunch. Are the minutes of the meeting of 2 March, circulated with the agenda for this meeting, agreed? Agreed.
Business of Joint Committee.
I am happy to be a member of this joint committee. I am also happy with the performance of the Chairman and members who get along well and do much good work. Effectively, however, I am disenfranchised every time the joint committee meets at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday because it coincides with the Order of Business in the Seanad. People may laugh but this is important to me because I am disenfranchised when I cannot attend the joint committee's full meetings, although I try to attend all the informal meetings.
While the organisation of rooms and so forth is not my business, I ask the Chairman to consider my position when arrangements are being made for the summer session. Otherwise, I will be forced to resign from the joint committee. It could be argued that that is my choice but I have a right to attend to my duty to be present in the Seanad at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
I do not have to be in the Seanad for the Order of Business but I should be there. I am in the same position as Senator O'Rourke. It would be useful if we could look at the meetings schedule.
We will do that.
It is a joint committee.
Yes.
I would be happy if the Senators could be accommodated.