I intend to circulate a resolution of this House to the effect that Seanad Éireann requests the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to delete Standing Order 41. This will be seconded by Senator Boyhan and I will make it available for all Members to sign, which I sincerely hope they will. I understand this matter has been referred by the committee to a Dáil committee on finance. I find this quite extraordinary. It seems there are many Sir Humphreys in the network. The first loyalty of all the servants of this House, including ourselves, should be to Seanad Éireann, not to Government and certainly not to the Dáil. I find it quite extraordinary that this matter should be referred to a Dáil committee. This House controls and directs its own business and that is as it should be. The two Houses should be independent of each other. I have done a little bit of research and I have discovered that the Seanad established under the 1922 Constitution had the ability to make recommendations, just as we now do on the finance Bills. We make recommendations. That is the same thing as amendments. However, in 1937 the late Mr. de Valera, who was a very remarkable politician, said that he thought that there might be some reason to reconstitute the Seanad as long as the Dáil kept it under its thumb. I do not think that is a sentiment which would find much of a positive response from any Members, including Fianna Fáil Members, today.

For the record, the matter has not been referred to the Dáil for decision. It is still with the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I do not think the Dáil will have any final remit with regard to the issue raised. It is still a live issue at the committee and I am sure the Senator will be updated shortly on where we are going with it.

I thank the Cathaoirleach very much.

Senator Norris can take it that the Dáil will not be telling the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges what to do on that issue.

I am very glad to hear that. I hope that at some time in the near future, the Cathaoirleach will be able to advise the House as to the progress of this matter because I would not like to see it delayed endlessly. I am afraid this notion of referring it to the Dáil committee has an element of delay to it that I do not welcome. This is an opportunity. We have heard so much talk about the reform of Seanad Éireann and absolutely nothing has been done. This is a small way in which Seanad Éireann, directing its own business, can make a significant reform to the business of the House. As I have said, Members from every side, including practically every Member of this House, have complained bitterly about having amendments rejected on the grounds that they created a charge on the Exchequer. I am only talking about getting matters fully discussed in Parliament and I think every Member would be able to support that.