Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Jul 1935

Vol. 58 No. 1

Select Committee on the Demise of Certain State Mining Rights—Interim Report.

Mr. Norton

I move:—

That the quorum of the Select Committee on the Demise of Certain State Mining Rights be fixed at seven members, and that the Committee be empowered to alter the quorum from time to time.

It will be recollected by the House that in the Order of References to the Select Committee no quorum was definitely fixed, and on consideration of the terms the Committee felt that it was necessary, in order to comply with the Standing Orders, that the quorum should be fixed. This is an effort to have the quorum fixed at 7, the Committee to be empowered to alter the quorum from time to time in the light of their experience of its working.

Agreed. Ordered accordingly.

Mr. Norton

I move:—

That the Order of Reference to the Select Committee be extended to include the power to hear counsel on behalf of witnesses if the Committee thinks fit and to fix procedure in connection therewith.

A question was raised at the meeting of the Select Committee as to power to hear counsel on behalf of witnesses if it was so desired and the fixed procedure in connection with the hearing of such witnesses. The precise powers of the Committee in that regard were not indicated in the Order of Reference. The Committee desired to have power to hear such counsel on behalf of witnesses if they thought it advisable.

Agreed. Ordered accordingly.

Mr. Norton

I move:—

That the Order of Reference to the Select Committee be extended to include the power of determining questions of procedure not already determined by the Standing Orders.

It is thought better to have a general omnibus authority in this way, so that the Committee will not have to go back to the Dáil to ask for precise instructions in respect of any matter that may come before the Committee.

Agreed. Ordered accordingly.