This is a group of three Standing Orders dealing with what is usually known as "the previous question." The object of this is to enable the Dáil when a discussion is going on, and the view of the majority of the whole Dáil is that it would be better not at the moment to come to a definite decision on it one way or the other, to shelve the matter for the time being. It is usually described as moving the previous question. The form in which we propose it should be dealt with here is if "At any stage of a debate, other than a debate on any Stage of a Bill, a Teachta may rise and claim to move: `that the Dáil proceed to the next business,' and this motion shall take precedence of all amendments to the original question: Provided that this motion be not made more than once during the discussion on any Question." The object of that is to prevent its being used for mere obstruction. The effect of that would be, that if in the Dáil there are two sides which are extreme one way or the other who want to get a decision on a point, and the moderate majority think it should be left alone for the present, it would enable them to say: "we do not want this matter decided here and now, let it wait for a better opportunity," and they would be able then to go on with the next business on the paper.
The Second Order provides that this motion cannot be made where the original motion is one relating to the ordering of public business, or the meeting of the Dáil or in Committee. The effect of that would be to interfere with the carrying on of public work or with the meeting of the Dáil. The reason that it cannot be made in Committee is that if you go on to the next business while in Committee on the Bill, all that would be wiped out altogether for the time being. In the consideration of the Committee on Procedure, it would be improper and might be used for the purposes of mere obstruction. The third order is that if the Dáil resolves this motion in the affirmative and the original question is thereby disposed of, the Dáil shall proceed to the next business on the Order Paper. I beg to move those three; they are so connected that they form one.
Orders agreed to.
GROUP C.—1. It shall be an instruction to all Committees to which Bills may be committed, that they have power to make such amendments therein as they shall think fit, provided such amendments be revelant to the subject matter of the Bill; but that, if any such amendments shall not be within the title of the Bill, they amend the title accordingly, and report the same specially to the Dáil.