I refer to Seanad reform and I understand there will be a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, on 15 June, at which Standing Order 41 will be discussed. I wish to ask that the representatives of all groups attend that meeting and vote to remove Standing Order 41. This is one clear example of Seanad reform that this House can take itself so I ask everybody to attend the meeting and vote to remove Standing Order 41. If we are serious about Seanad reform we can do this.

I extend my congratulations to Senator McDowell on being made chairman. It was a rocky road to get there and I understand it was opposed by former colleagues but I am sure he will do a good job as he is a very effective lawyer. I hope, however, that he has learned from the idiotic Bill he introduced, which I do not believe he even read. It contained nonsensical things such as a requirement to pay €1,000 to stand for Seanad Éireann. What a laughable piece of tripe. The way it dealt with universities was also nonsense. Senator McDowell is a very good advocate and can take a brief on the hoof so I hope he has learned from his experiences in the House and from the forensic analysis I did of his lamentable Bill.

I also understand that former Senator and now Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, has put himself on this committee.

Is Deputy Ross on the committee?

As I understand it, yes. Senator McDowell is nodding in sadness I take it. It is extraordinary business for a Cabinet Minister to put himself on this committee. I have withheld public comment on Deputy Ross but his attitude to the Seanad has, in the past, been marked by a mischievous note and I hope that will be absent from the deliberations of this committee. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport - and whatever you are having yourself - his hands will be pretty much full if he was doing his ministerial job. I am perfectly entitled to say that. If he is doing his job as Minister for practically everything-----

Including judges.

The Senator should withdraw that comment.

I will not withdraw it

It ill-behoves the Senator to say that.

It behoves me and it is very much in character. I hope that, despite its curious pedigree, this committee will do some good. I hear a kind of frog-like note from the back benches.

It is not a terrible statement. Looking at Senator Coghlan's face-----

I ask the Senator to conclude.

As the Cathaoirleach has asked me, I will abide by his request.

For the first time ever.

If I recall correctly, the Senator stood shoulder to shoulder for many years with the Minister in question.

I did, but then the veil was lifted from my eyes.