It is now four o'clock, and I declare the poll closed. Mr. O'Sullivan, the Assistant Clerk, will remove the papers and will go through them, with the assistance of officials of the Local Government Department. That will probably take a couple of hours. I do not know whether the Seanad would wait to hear the result. If that is not their wish I want their directions as to whether, when the result is ascertained, I shall certify it and communicate it to the Press, or that I should withhold any communication on the subject until the next meeting of the Seanad. It is not a matter that I like to take on myself.
SEANAD—SELECTION OF PANEL.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think it would be desirable to announce it at once, because some information might leak out.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The only reason I asked the House to direct me is that in another place some complaint was made when a similar course was taken, on the ground that they should have received the information first, but perhaps Members of the Seanad are not quite so sensitive.
The feeling seems to be that the announcement should be made as soon as possible. Of course some legislatures are very jealous of their rights and privileges in these respects.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Then I take it that what I have suggested meets with the approval of the House.