Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 9, to delete lines 1 to 4.

I wish to thank Senators from all sides for the manner in which they supported the thrust of what I sought to achieve with my amendments on Committee Stage yesterday. Although I do not wish to be repetitive, we must briefly restate the arguments, which I genuinely believe are compelling and have already been put forcibly by all sides. Senator Mansergh, in particular, was very strong and passionate in pointing out the glaring omission of the Office of the Clerk of the Seanad and also the position of the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. I will deal with the argument in regard to the Clerk of the Seanad in subsequent amendments.

Senators from all sides subscribed to the argument that the Cathaoirleach's omission was a slight, an insult and was not accidental. Senator O'Rourke stated clearly that this was a deliberate rather than an accidental omission. The Minister of State is the fall guy because he has to present the Bill but, as we listened to his replies to our arguments, it became obvious that whoever drafted this Bill made a deliberate decision to omit the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.