The Joint Committee on Standing Orders relative to Private Business report that they have nominated the following Senators to serve on the Joint Committee to which the Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929, is being referred:—Senators O'Hanlon, Moran and Molloy.
Private Business. - Appointment of Joint Committee.
Leas-Chathaoirleach
I do not agree to that selection. Senator Connolly is one of the members of this House who has gone into this matter and spoken on it at some length. I think that he should be a member of that Joint Committee. If he is not selected as a member of that Committee the selection that has been made will not be acceptable. It is most desirable, I think, to have agreement on a matter of this kind. I mention the matter because the question has already been raised.
Cathaoirleach
The Private Bill Committee is most anxious to have this Bill thoroughly investigated by discussion in the Seanad. If the House would agree it might be as well to leave the selection of members who are to act on the Joint Committee stand over until the next day the House meets. Meantime, an arrangement might be come to between the two Houses as to the personnel of the Joint Committee. Perhaps it would be agreeable to the House to take that course.
Could we have a statement as to the procedure that should be followed in a matter of this kind? Has this House to approve of the names of its representatives on the Joint Committee? It is the first time, I think, that the selections made by the Selection Committee have been challenged, and I would like to know what exactly is the procedure on the matter.
Leas-Chathaoirleach
The Report will be laid on the Table.
Cathaoirleach
I think that the House, in the case of the appointment of Joint Committees, has the power to object. It is not usual to do so, but I think the House has that power.
The House has the power in this case that it has in the case of a report of any Committee, but it is a very serious thing to object to the report of a Committee, especially a Committee such as this, which has been acting in this matter for six years and has established a practice.
I think that the suggestion made by you, sir, is the best one that could be made in the circumstances. There is no doubt that the House at all times, and at every stage of its proceedings, has control over the Committees that it appoints. I think that nobody can controvert that proposition. Senator Moore is opposing this. I did not know that it was going to be opposed, but having regard to that, I think the most reasonable thing to do would be to follow the course that you have suggested.
I understand that my name is on this Committee. I should like to say that I shall be absent for about three months, and, therefore, I would like to have my name withdrawn.
Cathaoirleach
That makes it all the more essential that the matter might be deferred until the next meeting of the Seanad.
I think that in that case the report will have to go back to the Committee to have another name substituted for that of Senator Molloy.
With the request that the names should be reconsidered.
Not that the names should be reconsidered, but that the report should go back to the Committee to have a name substituted for that of Senator Molloy.
Cathaoirleach
As Senator Molloy has intimated that he cannot attend, the report will have to go back to the Committee for reconsideration. Is the House agreed on that?
Agreed.
Cathaoirleach
In pursuance of Standing Orders, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil and myself appointed Deputy Morrissey to act as Chairman of this Joint Committee when it is appointed.