We shall now proceed to the election of a Committee of Selection of Eight, pursuant to Article 42 of the Standing Orders, which is as follows:—"At the commencement of each Session a Committee of Selection, consisting of eight Senators, elected by the Seanad voting in accordance with the principles of Proportional Representation, shall be appointed, whose duty it shall be to select the Senators to serve on all Committees other than a Committee of the Seanad, in the absence of express directions as to the personnel thereof from the Seanad itself. The Leas-Chathaoirleach shall be ex-officio Chairman of this Committee, but shall not exercise any but a casting vote."
THE SEANAD IN COMMITTEE. - ELECTION OF A COMMITTEE OF SELECTION.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
In regard to this election, I have only seen just now my name is among the nominations, and I desire that it should be withdrawn.
I am exactly in the same position. I had no idea my name was on the paper, and I wish to withdraw it.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Senators have the papers before them containing the names of the Senators nominated for this Committee, and they will have regard, no doubt, to what Senators O'Farrell and Farren have said.
Voting papers have already been sent in by some members of the Seanad.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
What were sent in were nomination papers, not voting papers. No voting papers have yet been sent in. What Senators were asked to do, in the first instance, was to nominate a certain number for this Committee.
It seems to me that all the members of the Seanad are on this list.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Thirty out of the entire body here are nominated.
My difficulty is, can Senators be nominated without our knowing whether they would be willing to serve?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think you are free to vote for any one of the thirty nominated, except the two Senators who expressed their desire that their names should not go forth.
Some people have already sent in their papers. Would it invalidate a paper if votes were recorded for either or both of these two Senators?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Certainly not. The voting will be on the principle of Proportional Representation, and, therefore, will take a considerable time. Consequently, the result will not be declared to-day. Members will understand that the result will not be declared until Wednesday next.