Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 8, subsection (2), line 42, after "Commission" to insert "who shall be the Chairman of Seanad Éireann".

As we have already argued this, I do not want to regurgitate the argument as the Minister of State does not seem disposed towards it. It seems practical, and would be a recognition of the unique role of the Chamber as a stand alone legislature, that the Chairman of this assembly should be deputy chairperson and that this should be enshrined in legislation. Senator Mansergh made the point cogently that is implicit in section 9:

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

However, that is only the case in the event of dissolution. What would be the situation in the interim?

The Minister of State stated he was confident the chairperson will do the right thing. However, being confident of something and enshrining it explicitly in legislation, as a recognition of the role and status of this House, are two different things. I see absolutely no reason that a section should not be enshrined in the legislation stating that the deputy chairperson should be the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.