Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

All mobile phones should be switched off as they cause interference, even if left in silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee rooms. We had an instance of that last week so I ask members to adhere to that request, please.

Before referring to the two items that we are to address today, I extend a welcome to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald and her officials.

The first matter is the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2016 to be followed by Supplementary Estimates for Vote 20, An Garda Síochána and Vote 22, the Courts Service.

In regard to the matter of the Judicial Appointment Commission Bill 2016, I am advised that Article 17.2 of the Constitution provides:

Dáil Éireann shall not pass any vote or resolution, and no law shall be enacted, for the appropriation of revenue or other public moneys unless the purpose of the appropriation shall have been recommended to Dáil Éireann by a message from the Government signed by the Taoiseach.

Standing Order 179(2) of the Houses of the Oireachtas provides that:

The Committee Stage of a Bill which involves the appropriation of revenue or other public moneys, including incidental expenses, shall not be taken unless the purpose of the appropriation has been recommended to the Dáil by a Message from the Government. The text of any Message shall be printed on the Order Paper.

As the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2016 will involve a charge on the Exchequer and no message, as mentioned, has been printed on the Order Paper this morning or prior to today, it is not possible to proceed with the Committee Stage of the Bill at this time.

The select committee was unanimous in its intent to address the Bill today but, unfortunately, I must indicate to my colleague members that we are not in a position to proceed to address this Bill because of the fact that the money message, as it is referred to, is not on the Order Paper in advance of our sitting this morning. Would members like to comment before we bring this matter to a close and proceed to the next item, the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Justice and Equality?

I will afford an opportunity to Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, the mover of the legislation, to make a brief comment.