Committee Reports > List of Committees > Seanad > 1925 > Committee on the Constitution > Report - Matters affecting the Interpretation of the Constitution

SEANAD ÉIREANN.

TUARASGABHÁIL ÓN gCOISTE AR NITHE A BHAINEANN LE LEIRIU AN BHUNREACHTA.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSITUTION.

The Committee was appointed by Resolution of the Seanad on the 30th April, 1925, in the following terms:—

“That the question as to the decision upon matters affecting the interpretation of the Constitution be referred to a Committee, consisting of the members of the Standing Orders Committee with the addition of Senators Bennett and Brown.”

The Committee met on the 21st May, 1925, the following members being present:—The Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, and Senators Bennett, Brown, Sir John Keane, and Kenny. The Cathaoirleach was moved to the Chair. The Committee unanimously decided to recommend to the Seanad the adoption of the following alterations of and additions to the Standing Orders:—

1. Standing Order 36 to be amended to read as follows:—

“36. The Cathaoirleach is the sole judge of order in the Seanad in all matters arising on the interpretation of these Standing Orders. He has authority to enforce prompt obedience to his ruling and to suppress disorder.”

2. A new Standing Order, 36a, to be inserted as follows:—

“36a. In all matters of order which may arise and are not provided for in these Standing Orders, the Cathaoirleach shall rule as to him shall seem right, having regard to such precedents as may have been established, and to the circumstances of the case, provided that such ruling may on motion made, or without notice, or shall, on a requisition to that effect signed by not less than fifteen Senators, be referred to the Committee on Procedure for a report. On receiving such report the Seanad shall decide the question.”

3. The following to be added to standing Order 18:—

“(f) A motion made under Standing Order 36a.”

4. Standing Order 111 to be altered to read as follows:—

“111. As soon as possible after the commencement of each calendar year the Seanad shall appoint a Committee on Procedure, which shall consist of seven Senators. The Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach shall be ex-officio members of this Committee, without the right to vote on any question referred to it under Standing Order 36a.

Cathaoirleach.

22adh Bealtaine, 1925.