The next business is the appointment of a Committee on Procedure pursuant to Standing Order, No. 111.
PUBLIC BUSINESS. - APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURE.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I propose the following names——
CATHAOIRLEACH
Might I make a little explanation? I would like to point out that a Committee was appointed by the Selection Committee since the new Seanad met. Previously when such committees had existed only for a short time, the procedure has been to reappoint them. I was going to suggest that perhaps that course would meet the view of the House, but, of course, I would hear Senator O'Sullivan on the matter.
Before proceeding, might I ask what is the function of this Committee, or has it any function, except those defined under Standing Order No. 111?
CATHAOIRLEACH
A great many things are referred to the Committee on Procedure. There is really no specific duty defined for it, as far as I can see.
That is the point. As far as I can gather, the only duty of this Committee is to act as a kind of court in connection with questions of disagreement with the decisions of the Cathaoirleach.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not think that that is so.
I remember that disputes arose between the late Chairman and the members of the Seanad on certain subjects, and these disputes became rather acute after a time. After lasting for several months without any agreement having been come to the proposal was made that when certain members of the Seanad disagreed with a decision of the Chairman the matter should be referred to this Committee, which was to discuss and settle it.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Senator Johnson has asked whether there were any references to the Committee defined in Standing Order No. 111. There is practically nothing defined in Standing Order No. 111, but it has been the custom to commit many things to the Committee on Procedure. At present we have a revision of the Standing Orders, and in the ordinary course that would be submitted to the Committee on Procedure. Various other matters which arise during the course of the year are also referred to the Committee. Of course, what Senator Moore has referred to is another matter. But there are very important matters that may come before the Committee for consideration. There is nothing absolutely defined in the Standing Order at present.
Do I understand that the Committee is appointed as a body to which may be referred various subjects for consideration?
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think you may take it that that is so.
I think, sir, that there is no specific Standing Order governing the exact powers, the exact rights, or the exact functions of the Committee on Procedure, but there has been a usage, which is that this Committee is one with which the Chairman may, if he thinks fit, consult on any matter arising affecting the procedure of the House, and I think it is essential that some Committee should exist.
Has the practice been for that consultation to take place?
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think so. Senator O'Sullivan, you wished to move something?
I wished to propose the names of certain members to serve on that Committee.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Might I read out to you the members who were appointed on this Committee in December, after the new Seanad met?
Yes, sir; but pursuant to Standing Order No. 111, we should appoint the Committee to-day.
CATHAOIRLEACH
We must appoint it to-day, certainly.
Why not do so now, without referring to anything that happened in December?
The matter was referred to the Committee of Selection definitely, and the Committee of Selection nominated certain members to the Committee on Procedure. That does not, of course, decide the question. With due respect, it seems to me that the Report of the Committee of Selection should be referred to the Seanad, because, of course, if anybody wishes to propose somebody instead of those selected, he is perfectly entitled to do so.
I think Senator Moore is in error. This Committee is not selected by the Committee of Selection; it is selected by the House.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think Senator Moore is correct. The names of the last Committee, which I will read out for you, were selected by the Committee of Selection. It may be quite possible, Senator O'Sullivan, that this Committee will meet with your approval. If not, it is open to you to propose any other names. The Committee consisted of Senators Brown, Douglas, Farren, Linehan, Moore, O'Doherty, and Mrs. Wyse Power.
Who appointed that Committee?
CATHAOIRLEACH
The Committee of Selection.
Standing Order, No. 111 says: "As soon as possible after the commencement of each calendar year, the Seanad shall appoint a Committee on Procedure, which shall consist of seven Senators. The Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach shall be ex-officio members of this Committee, without the right to vote on any question referred to it under Standing Order 36 (a)."
CATHAOIRLEACH
Might I point out that this House itself referred this to the Committee of Selection, and it was on the recommendation of this House that the Committee of Selection acted and appointed the Committee whose names I have just read for you.
On a point of order. The technical position is that at the end of last year——
CATHAOIRLEACH
What is the point of order?
The point is that it is necessary to appoint the Committee to-day, this being the first meeting in the new year. It happened that our last meeting was at the end of the year, and the Committee practically did not function, but under the Standing Order the Committee should be appointed to-day.
CATHAOIRLEACH
That is quite right. That is the position.
I propose that the old Committee be re-appointed.
I second the motion.
Question put and agreed to.