Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 1928 > Committee on Constitution > Report and Proceedings - Constitution (the constitution and powers of, and methods of election to, Seanad Éireann)

IMEACHTA AN CHO-CHOISTE.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE.

Dé Céadaoin, 2adh Bealtaine, 1928.

Wednesday, 2nd May, 1928.

1. The Joint Committee met at 11 a.m.

2. Present: The Ceann Comhairle (in the Chair), the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad; Deputies de Valera, Morrissey, G. O’Sullivan, Ruttledge and Tierney; Senators Bennett,

Douglas, Jameson, O’Farrell and O’Hanlon.

3. Filling of Casual Vacancies in the Seanad.

Motion made (Cathaoirleach of the Seanad):

“That the Joint Committee recommends that no change be made in the provisions of the Constitution relating to the method of filling a casual vacancy in the Seanad.”

Amendment proposed (Deputy de Valera):

“To delete all words after the word ‘recommends’ and substitute therefor the words ‘that a casual vacancy in the Seanad be filled by election by the original electing body.”’

Question put; the Joint Committee divided; For, 6; Against, 5.

For: Deputies de Valera, Morrissey, G. O’Sullivan, Ruttledge and Tierney; Senator O’Farrell.

Against: Cathaoirleach of the Seanad; Senators Bennett, Douglas, Jameson and O’Hanlon.

The amendment was declared carried accordingly.

Main Question, as amended, put, and declared carried.

4. Term of Office of Members elected to fill Casual Vacancies.

Motion made (Senator Douglas):

“That the Joint Committee recommends that the term of office of the person elected to fill a casual vacancy in the Seanad be the unexpired residue of the term of office of the person whose place has been vacated.”

Amendment proposed (Deputy de Valera):

“To delete all words after the word ‘recommends’ and substitute therefor the words ‘that the person elected to fill a casual vacancy hold office until the next ordinary election to the Seanad.”’

Question put; the Joint Committee divided; For, 7; Against, 4.

For: Cathaoirleach of the Seanad; Deputies de Valera, Morrissey and Ruttledge; Senators Bennett, O’Farrell and O’Hanlon.

Against: Deputies G. O’Sullivan and Tierney; Senators Douglas and Jameson.

The amendment was declared carried accordingly.

Main Question, as amended, put, and declared carried.

5. Outgoing Senators and Election to Seanad.

Motion made (Deputy de Valera):

“That the Joint Committee recommends as a proviso to their recommendation that the members of the Seanad be elected by the members of the Dáil and Seanad voting together on principles of Proportional Representation, that outgoing members of the Seanad be not entitled to vote at such election.”

Question put, and negatived—Deputies de Valera and Ruttledge dissenting.

6. The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.30 p.m. till 3 p.m. Tuesday next.