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

First, this is an extraordinary step. It is not consequent on new politics; it is consequent on the worst of old politics. This House deserves a full explanation as to why it has taken so long for the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges to be constituted. That is an essential step before the Seanad Committee on Selection is able to do its business in nominating Members of the Seanad to joint committees of these Houses.

We are within two days of going into the summer recess, yet we have still not had a single joint committee meeting, nor will we be able to constitute same before Thursday. That is the reality behind this proposition. This House deserves a full explanation as to why that situation presents. Almost six months after the general election, we still do not have a working committee system in these Houses.

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