I have to advise the Select Committee that the Chairman is unavoidably detained, and in the circumstances, we have to elect a temporary chairman. Can I have nominations, please?
Election of Chairman.
Clerk to the Select Committee
I propose Deputy Connor.
Deputy Connor took the Chair.
Finance Bill, 1996: Committee Stage.
Acting Chairman
The Committee is now in session for consideration of Committee Stage of the Finance Bill, 1996. Members will note Item 1 on the agenda regarding the arrangements in the event of a division being demanded. It outlines the Standing Order governing the taking of divisions. That part of the second paragraph in italics deals with the situation where the committee is in the process of a division while a division is called in the Dáil. It states:
Provided that where a division has been demanded in Special or Select Committee and a division is subsequently demanded in the Dáil before the Clerk to the Committee has commenced taking the division by calling the names of the members of the Committee, such division in Special or Select Committee shall be postponed until after the conclusion of the division of the Dáil and the conclusion of any other divisions in the Dáil demanded immediately thereafter unless the Committee shall decide otherwise at the commencement of the meeting.
Is it the wish of the committee to vary this arrangement?
I propose we accept the arrangement.
Acting Chairman
Is that agreed?
It is indefinite in that it does not specify if a time factor is to be allowed to enable us to congregate here after the Dáil vote has concluded.
Acting Chairman
We would need a quorum.
In order to continue the aborted vote here, is there to be a new time factor to allow us to congregate here?
We would need some time.
Would we start as if it was a new division?
The vote would be called once. If there was a quorum, the usual time of eight minutes would be allowed.
Acting Chairman
I am taking advice on the matter. With regard to the question raised by Deputy Nealon, this is the first time this question has arisen. We will have it resolved before 1.30 p.m. when the first vote takes place.
My understanding is that when we attend this committee we are paired in the Dáil.
Acting Chairman
I asked if the arrangements were to be varied and we have agreed that they would not.