Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

It is fair to say that Senators are proportionately well represented on the commission. The Ceann Comhairle is not the chair of the commission by virtue of him being chair of the Dáil. Rather, his office has for many years been responsible for the Houses. In practice, I expect that the only reason there will be an acting or deputy chairperson is in the absence of the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle is above politics, as is the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and I expect the best decisions to be made.