I move: "That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs pursuant to Standing Order 94 (1) and paragraph 1 (iii) of that Committee's Terms of Reference."
Private Members' Business. - Ethics in Public Office Bill, 1994: Referral to Select Committee.
On a point of order, would it be possible to refer the Bill to a committee of the full House so that Deputies who are not members of the committee can raise questions on the various sections?
Under the terms of reference and Standing Orders of the committee there is a facility whereby members of the committee can be substituted by other Deputies.
Referral of the Bill to this committee will limit the discussion on it.
The Minister is proposing that the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs pursuant to Standing Order 94 (1) of that Committee's Terms of Reference.
As agreed by the Whips.
I am aware of that, but I am asking that our reservations be taken into account with a view to having the Bill discussed by a committee of the entire House.
The Fine Gael Whip agreed to the procedure.
Yes, but it is a Bill which should be discussed fully and openly by a committee of the entire House.
Is that a reflection on the committees?
No, it is not.
Question put and agreed to.