It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2 and 3.
Order of Business.
I should like to ask the Leader of the House when it is proposed to convene the next meeting of the Committee of Selection, because important committees are appointed on the recommendation of that committee. The last Seanad first met on 27 October and on 9 November the Committee of Selection were appointed. Their first Report, presented to his House by the Leas-Chathaoirleach on 23 November, announced the members of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, the Joint Committee on Standing Orders relevant to Private Business, the Standing Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills and the Joint Restaurant Committee and Joint Library Committee. So far in this Seanad the Committee of Selection have met only once and we have only one report — announcing the Committee on Procedure and Privileges — and if one takes into account the meeting on Thursday, 16 July when Senator Reynolds announced the Order of Business, we have met several times. Do the Government consider the other committees irrelevant or are they waiting for the next Seanad to appoint them?
I should like to point out that the Committee of Selection have been appointed and have met. The Leas-Chathaoirleach is the chairman and I am sure if there is work for the committee they will be called at the earliest opportunity. This point was discussed yesterday and I assume it is being looked after.
It is not a matter for the Leader of the House.
It is a matter for the committee.
What I am concerned about is this: what is the delay in the Committee of Selection appointing other committees to which I have already referred?
Some of the other committees are joint committees and it has not been possible to move ahead of the other House. I want to assure the Senator that the committee will meet at the earliest opportunity when there is business to be done.
Order of Business agreed to.