There is another matter to which I wish to direct the attention of the Seanad. I think we ought to realise the necessity of securing suitable and decent accommodation now that the entire of Leinster House is to be taken over for the accommodation of the Oireachtas. I think we ought to be alive to our needs and our rights in regard to that matter. We have an existing Joint Committee to look after the internal arrangements, and later on I think it would be desirable that that Committee should undertake the task of allocating the particular apartments that may be given to us under the new arrangement. I would suggest to the Seanad to consider, between this and Monday, whether, in regard to the actual allocation of premises, it would not be desirable that a small special committee should be appointed, and that it should be a joint committee. In other words, that we should appoint our representative upon a joint committee and ask the Dáil to unite with us in appointing their representatives on such a joint committee. That is a matter that might be considered between this and Monday.
ACCOMMODATION AT DUN LAOGHAIRE PIER. - ACCOMMODATION FOR THE SEANAD.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Arising out of what you have said, I happen to be a member of the Joint House Committee, and we had a meeting this morning after our inspection of the rooms. We were informed by the Chairman of that Committee that there is little possibility of the Dublin Society being able to give us possession of these premises on this side of Christmas, and it is, therefore, rather premature to discuss the allocation of premises.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I was not proposing to discuss the allocation at all, but I think we should be prepared beforehand and have a small committee which would be there on the spot when the occasion arises, and before any conclusions are arrived at.
I was at the meeting of the ordinary House Committee, and I think your suggestion is most essential—that we should have a special committee to deal with the matter when the occasion arises.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Perhaps Senators would think over the matter between now and Monday.
Do you anticipate, sir, that we will not meet in this room after the Recess?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I had that sort of pious hope, but it has been rather blighted by what Senator Barrington has said.
I hope some committee will deal with the future of the restaurant. We put that as a proviso very strongly in the Motion we passed, and I hope that will not be forgotten, especially if we cannot get into our new rooms before Christmas.
The House Committee discussed that question this morning also.
I take it that the committee will be bound by the Resolution of the Seanad?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Yes.
The Seanad adjourned at 1.10 p.m. until 3 o'clock on Monday, 28th July.