I move "That it is desirable that an accurate Register be kept of the attendance at each meeting of the Seanad, and that the Clerk shall record the same in a book to be kept for this purpose." This, I imagine, is a non-controversial matter, about which I need say very little, but I would like just to anticipate one objection which shall probably be made, and that is that it is possibly somewhat undignified and savours of a school to keep such a record. The only thing I have to say about that is, I find that the House of Lords—a body to which I do not want to compare this Seanad, but, nevertheless, it is fairly dignified—keep such a record. As to the point about instructing the Clerk to keep the record, it would be immaterial to me if we have a book in which we can sign our own names. and I would accept that as an amendment, as all I want is that an accurate record may be kept.
SEANAD IN COMMITTEE. - ATTENDANCE OF SENATORS.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Perhaps your purpose would be satisfied in having called the attention of the Seanad to this, and the Committee on Standing Orders will take it into consideration and see as to the best and most convenient way in which it should be carried out. Possibly a book left at the entrance, in which Senators would be at liberty to sign without being under compulsion to sign, would be sufficient for your purpose.
If the principle is approved of, that is all I want.
Has there been no record of attendances kept since we began to meet? Is it possible that there is none such in existence?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think there is a record kept.
Of the attendance?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I assume that there is, but I had not my attention directed to it.
I think that the record has not been kept.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Perhaps not.
It is a shame if no record has been kept of the attendances.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
We have not yet defined the duties of our staff, and possibly one of the definitions we will make will be to require the Clerk to record the attendance of the Senators at each meeting. If that were included in the Standing Orders it would probably meet the object of Senator MacLysaght.
May I point out that our present Standing Orders, some of which we forget frequently, expire on the 25th of this month, and the Standing Order Committee is due to make a report, and an amendment or addition of the kind suggested could be adopted. Personally I think that the principle is a good one. We could undertake on behalf of that Committee to make some proposal definitely in the meantime. Would it not be possible for the Clerk to supply a sheet of paper on which each of the members would sign his name until a more definite way is arranged, so that what Senator Mrs. Wyse-Power feels is a great mistake would not continue as at present? Personally, one of the reasons why I think the proposal is a good one is because I think our attendance in proportion to our numbers is exceedingly good and we might very well be proud of it.
Is it not necessary from a business point of view to keep an exact record, in view of the fact that Senators coming from the country are entitled to their expenses? Surely there should be an accurate check without in any way impeaching the honesty or the honour of the members. It is only a business proposition that there should be a check on the attendance of the Senators, especially in view of the fact that people from the country will have to get travelling expenses.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Perhaps the Senator would be satisfied with this assurance. The Committee on Standing Orders intend either this or next week to deal with the portion that has not yet been dealt with, that is Orders regulating inter se the duties of our staff, and they may take it from me that I as Chairman of that Committee would strongly press that there should be imposed on one member of our staff the duty of recording each day accurately the attendance of members of the Seanad.
That will satisfy me.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think it is a desirable thing that it should be so recorded, not merely for the excellent reason given by Senator O'Farrell, but for many other obvious reasons.