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Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 1923

Vol. 2 No. 3

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.

AN CATHAOIRLEACH

The discussion is now closed. With regard to the other business on the Orders of the Day, I may mention that two communications reached me from the Dáil. The first was in reference to the fact that they have appointed a Committee of five Deputies for the purpose of preparing and submitting to the Dáil Standing Orders, dealing with Private Bill business, and inviting the Seanad to appoint a Committee of an equivalent number, who would act jointly with the Committee of the Dáil. There was a similar request, couched in precisely the same terms, as to the appointment of a Committee of five Senators to act jointly with a Committee of the Dáil in reference to the internal accommodation arrangements for both Houses, and the restaurant. As most Senators will probably recollect, we have a Standing Order, Number 42, by which, at the commencement of each Session a Committee of Selection is appointed, and I think that Committee of Selection are entrusted with a task of nominating the members of the different Committees that require to be elected during the Session. Therefore, under normal conditions, the selection of these two Committees to work as a Joint Committee with the Deputies of the Dáil will fall upon the Selection Committee. There is a provision in Standing Order 42 that the Seanad may, if they wish, not leave it to their Selection Committee, but may appoint the Committees themselves direct. I do not suggest that they should do that in this case. I see no reason why it should not be left to the Committee of Selection that was appointed last week, and who are now in office, and whose duty it is under the Standing Orders to nominate members for the various committees during the course of the Session. If it is the wish of the Seanad the matter in each case can be referred to the Committee of Selection. One other matter I should like to mention is that we have already in existence a Committee for the purpose of preparing and submitting to the Seanad Standing Orders. Presumably that will be the Committee that will act in co-operation with the Committee of the Dáil, for the purpose of preparing Standing Orders for Private Bill business. That Committee consists of six, whereas the Dáil have only appointed five. The Seanad is only asked to appoint five. I suppose the idea is that there should be equal representation of both Houses on the Joint Committee, so that if we retain our Committee of six it will not be in compliance with the request of the Dáil. Therefore, we should either reduce the Committee to five, or else appoint a new Committee to deal with Private Bill business. My own suggestion to you would be to leave this matter also to the Committee of Selection. I think they will be able to meet the position adequately, either by getting the Dáil to add one to their Committee, or by subtracting one from our Committee of six. If it is the wish of the Seanad the whole matter will be left to the Committee of Selection.

Agreed.

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