David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Arising from what I said yesterday, I ask the Cathaoirleach, as Chairman of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, to send me a short note detailing the progress that has been made in removing Standing Order 41. I am afraid this matter is caught in a kind of Sir Humphrey tangle. It was referred to the Dáil committee as a courtesy as the Dáil committee has no jurisdiction over the doings of this House with regard to its Order Paper. We have consistently had complaints from every side of this House about this aspect of our work. This is one area that can be reformed by this House. Yesterday, we had statements on the report of the Seanad reform implementation group. This is one thing we can do ourselves. We do not need to wait for the Government or the Dáil. We can do this and the Dáil committee can then cope with the consequences. That is the way life works outside Sir Humphrey's domain. I ask if the Cathaoirleach would be kind enough to send me a little report to see how we can advance this important matter and at last get one little bit of reform into this House.