Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed with the Minister of State's reaction because he does not want to be prescriptive but the Bill is prescriptive in making the Ceann Comhairle the chairperson. I cannot see why, from the point of view of recognising the status and role of this House, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad cannot be prescribed in the Bill. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Mansergh in his reading of section 9(1):

If Dáil Eireann is dissolved, the chairperson, or, if the chairperson is unable to perform his or her function, the acting chairperson of the Commission, continues to hold office until the chairman of Dáil Eireann is elected following such dissolution.

The "acting chairperson" will be the deputy chairperson. Implicit in that is the expectation that it would be the Cathaoirleach of this Chamber. I am at a loss from the point of view—