Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On that, a motion was passed last week to establish the joint committee. I understand it will report by 28 February, and will report to both Houses. The Leader can expand on that.

On Senator Wilson's comments, I am sure it is possible to pay tribute to Deirdre Lane. She was an extremely efficient and hardworking lady who served the Seanad impartially. I was not aware of the date, but Senator Wilson probably has his facts right and that she retired from the job, as she is so entitled, on 21 October. There is a problem. The outgoing Cathaoirleach mentioned in his final remarks some months ago that there was a lack of staff for the Seanad Office. That has been exacerbated by the fact that we do not have a Clerk. It is an issue of which we should be acutely aware.

The Committee on Procedure and Privileges cannot get up and running because we do not have the staff to operate it. When there are stress points, there are problems. I do not want to say any more. Members should be aware of the situation. Perhaps the Leader can endeavour to use his political influence to move things on and rectify a situation that is not good for us for the future.