David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to Seanad reform and I understand there will be a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, on 15 June, at which Standing Order 41 will be discussed. I wish to ask that the representatives of all groups attend that meeting and vote to remove Standing Order 41. This is one clear example of Seanad reform that this House can take itself so I ask everybody to attend the meeting and vote to remove Standing Order 41. If we are serious about Seanad reform we can do this.

I extend my congratulations to Senator McDowell on being made chairman. It was a rocky road to get there and I understand it was opposed by former colleagues but I am sure he will do a good job as he is a very effective lawyer. I hope, however, that he has learned from the idiotic Bill he introduced, which I do not believe he even read. It contained nonsensical things such as a requirement to pay €1,000 to stand for Seanad Éireann. What a laughable piece of tripe. The way it dealt with universities was also nonsense. Senator McDowell is a very good advocate and can take a brief on the hoof so I hope he has learned from his experiences in the House and from the forensic analysis I did of his lamentable Bill.

I also understand that former Senator and now Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, has put himself on this committee.