Standing Orders legal clarification
The Leader says the Savita investigation will be independent and explains that revised Standing Orders were legally reviewed and provide for a simple majority in the relevant corporate-consent provision.
Who said the Seanad has no power?
Comment on this
The investigation will be completely independent. The Government hopes it will receive the support of everyone who has expressed concern about this tragic case. I think that addresses the matter at this point.
Comment on this
Senator Barrett asked about No. 1 on the Order of Business. Revised Standing Orders have been unanimously agreed by a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament. As they have remained unaltered since 1939, they are completely out of date. We received an opinion on paragraphs 49 and 50, which were mentioned by Senator Barrett, from senior counsel. The committee accepted the advice that was received and consequently amended the 1939 provision that is reflected in Standing Order 17. It provides for a simple majority of consent by a chartered corporation. This provision was also accepted unanimously by the committee. I will take into consideration what Senator Barrett has mentioned. He has given me a note with a query or two. I presume we can answer them for him. I am prepared to accept his amendment to the Order of Business to enable us to deal with this matter next week, when the questions asked by Senator Barrett have been answered.