Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Jul 1983

Vol. 101 No. 9

Report of Committee of Selection.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

The Committee of Selection reports that it has nominated the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities:—

Senators Jim Higgins, Hourigan, Lanigan, McDonald, Robinson, Ross and Smith;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies:—

Senators Conway, Fleming, Hillery and Eoin Ryan;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Services Committee:—

Senators Belton, Burke, Cassidy, de Brún, Howard, Kiely, Magner, McGonagle and McGuinness;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Co-operation with Developing Countries:—

Senators Browne, Connor, Hanafin, Michael D. Higgins, Killilea, O'Brien and Brendan Ryan;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Legislation:—

Senators Durcan, Fallon, FitzGerald, Howlin, O'Leary, O'Toole and Ross;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Small Businesses:—

Senators Daly, Ellis, McAuliffe-Ennis, Kelleher, Lennon, Lynch and McMahon;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Women's Rights:—

Senators Dooge, Fitzsimons, Michael D. Higgins, Loughrey, Mullooly and Quealy;

the following Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Marriage Breakdown:—

Senators Bulbulia, Honan, Hussey, McGuinness and Robinson.

I move: "That the Report be laid before the Seanad."

Mr. W. Ryan

When the motion came before this House for the setting up of the committees I objected to the small number of places given to Fianna Fáil on some of the committees. I withdraw the objections I made at that time. I am satisfied with the numbers that we have on the committees. The system employed in this House and in the other House for the selection of people to serve on committees is excellent. It is a pity that a similar method cannot be implemented throughout the country in local authorities and so ensure that every political party would have their fair share of members on committees throughout the country. I am not talking politics because all political parties behave in the same way in this. One party may have one seat more than the other, say 14 as against 13, on a county council and they may take all the seats on a committee. I hope the Minister for the Environment will do something about this.

Mr. Ferris

I have discussed that subject regularly with Senator Ryan on our own committee. I learned last night from the Minister's office that other committees are to come for selection, three of which are confined to the Dáil. I can understand that in the case of two of them, but as a Senator I resent the fact that Senators are precluded from sitting on a committee on crime. This House has made a major contribution to the debates on that matter and I would ask your permission——

An Cathaoirleach

That does not arise on this motion.

Mr. Ferris

——to allow a motion to appear on the agenda to——

An Cathaoirleach

You have other machinery for dealing with that.

Mr. McMahon

I am disappointed with the composition of some of these committees, particularly the one on marriage breakdown. This House has put just one male Senator on that committee whereas on the women's rights committee we have put six or seven men.

Mr. Ferris

Blessed art thou amongst women.

Mr. McMahon

I believe the marriage breakdown committee to be far more important than some people realise. It is the fault of the political parties that more men are not nominated to this committee. The nominees come through the Whips and the parties have various ways of selecting the members. Marriage breakdown is not always attributable to one sex or the other. It can be the fault of either side. The husband is very often the greater sufferer in a marriage breakdown and the male voice should be heard to a far greater extent than it appears it will be heard on this committee. There is to be one male voice among four females. I have no objection to any of the female members. By all means let the female Members of the Seanad have a voice and serve on this committee. The male voice should be heard more than it is likely to be heard, with all due respect to Senator Hussey. I am sure he will do a good job on this committee. I congratulate him on joining with the ladies from this House. He, too, would welcome some support on the committee. I want to protest at the political parties not seeing fit to nominate more male Senators to the committee.

Question put and agreed to.