I desire to put before the Dáil the suggestion that to sit twelve hours a week is hardly sufficient to enable us to do the work of this Legislature. The consideration of the Estimates, which are now before the Dáil, will take, I expect, a very long time, and in my opinion it is very hard to expect Deputies to come from the country and spend practically a whole week in Dublin while the Dáil only sits for twelve hours in the week. What I suggest is that the Dáil should sit for a longer period each day, so as to enable us to get through the large amount of work that is to be done. If my suggestion is adopted, it will enable Deputies from the country to remain longer at home.
SITTINGS OF THE DAIL.
Under the Standing Orders the Dáil should meet at 3 and sit until 8.30, but it was agreed to adjourn earlier some time ago. The matter is altogether one for the Dáil itself.
If that be the general view of the Dáil, I would undertake to try and get the business done in a couple of days each week. Deputies will realise that the amount of business at present under consideration, and the inquiries that have to be made and decisions taken by the Ministry in connection with Bills and other matters, absorb a good deal of time. We have not yet arrived at the point where one can promise an even flow of legislation. There are several matters of pressing importance which require very serious consideration. There are, I suppose, at least half a dozen Bills in course of preparation, which we have not had before us yet. It would be impossible for us to start at 3 o'clock and sit until 8.30 each day, and at the same time give all the attention and consideration that is required to come to a proper decision on these Bills. If the Dáil desires to sit for a fewer number of days in the week, and for a longer period at each sitting, I would be willing to meet Deputies in any way like that. I take it, in a matter of that sort the Dáil itself would express an opinion on it. It is not possible, as far as I can see, in view of the amount of business we have to deal with, to sit much longer than from 3 to 7 o'clock on four days of the week.
Would it meet the President's view if we were to sit the normal time on three days a week? That apparently is the desire of Deputy Wilson. It seems to me that even that is cutting off the amount of time that is needed, but in view of the necessity for tilling the ground and sowing the crops, Deputy Gorey and others desire to attend their ordinary daily avocation instead of attending to the work of the legislature and criticising the Government. Perhaps three days a week, of the normal number of hours, would suit the position better than the present arrangement.
That is the normal time, from 3 o'clock to 8.30?
And drop Friday?
Do you suggest that?
No; I do not suggest anything.
I will consider that and put the matter before the other members of the Executive Council, and see if we can arrange to sit only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Or Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
I will see what can be done with regard to that.