I propose that Deputy Staunton be Chairman of the Committee.
Election of Chairman
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
I second that.
I propose that Deputy Wilson be chairman of the Committee.
I second that.
Question put: " That Deputy Staunton be Chairman of the Committee."
The Committee divided: Tá, 7; Níl, 3.
Tá
- Halligan, Brendan.
- Taylor, Frank.
- Keating, Justin.
- Timmins, Godfrey.
- O’Brien, Fergus.
- Toal, Brendan.
- Staunton, Myles.
Níl
- Gallagher, Denis.
- Wilson, John P.
- O’Malley, Desmond.
Question declared carried.
Deputy Staunton was declared elected and took the Chair accordingly.
Chairman
I thank the Committee for my election. This is purely a formal meeting—we will not begin to discuss the Bill today. The second item on our agenda is to fix the final date for the receipt of amendments. I would welcome comments on this matter.
From the point of view of my staff I should like to be given a reasonable time to consider any amendments intended to be moved. It is not customary to have meetings of Committees outside normal Dáil sittings and on the assumption that our next meeting will not be before the end of January, I would suggest 12th January as the final date for the receipt of amendments.
Standing Orders envisage two days' notice of amendments, and if we are not to meet again until the end of January, I suggest a much later date for the receipt of amendments than that suggested by the Minister.
My staff will need some time to examine amendments. It would not be reasonable to bang in a lot of amendments right before the first full session of the Committee.
I suggest that one week before the next meeting of the Committee would be adequate. It is three-and-a-half times longer than that envisaged by Standing Orders.
Agreed : That the final date for the receipt of amendments be Wednesday, 26th January, 1977.
The Committee adjourned at 12.15 p.m. until 3.45 p.m. on Tuesday, 1st February, 1977.