Before we go into the Orders of the Day, I regret having to interpose upon the business of the Dáil with a personal explanation. Yesterday, when your deputy was in the Chair, I made a reference to an earlier proceeding in the Dáil in regard to Section 8 of the Ministers and Secretaries Bill. I stated that on a certain evening it had been said by the President that the further business of that Bill would not be taken, and that in spite of that, that business was taken the following day. I stated that I had not got the records actually before me, but that I had turned them up and the facts were as I said, and I added that I believed those facts were in the recollection of the Dáil. The Minister for Home Affairs interposed and challenged me to produce those facts from the records of the Dáil. I thought it rather regrettable that that should have been done, because it left an implication that I made a statement I did not believe, or check, or confirm as an accurate statement. This challenge having been made, it is necessary for me to say now that I have the records here, and the statement to which I referred, made by the President, was as follows:—"It is only fair that the Dáil should realise what the position is. Apart from pressing Bills I do not see how we could get very much further with the Ministers and Secretaries Bill, and I would not mind tying up that to give greater time for this discussion, that is, if Deputy Johnson wishes to have the matter decided before the adjournment."
On the following day, in spite of that pledge, Section 8 was taken. This was the 13th December, and the statement is to be found in column 1829. The President said: "I said a few words last evening with regard to the business we proposed to deal with. Apparently I must have overlooked the fact that we were mid-way through a Section of the Ministers and Secretaries Bill. I would ask the indulgence of the Dáil to take up that section and dispose of it, and then get on with the other business. I do not think it will take very long, but it would be more satisfactory to have the section dealt with than leaving it open for consideration at the next sitting. It would depend altogether upon the indulgence given by the Dáil. I addressed myself on the point last evening to Deputy Johnson, and I had no intention of misleading him. If he has no objection, and if the Dáil is agreeable, I think we might get along with that section."
And then Deputy Johnson said: "I see the point the President has made and I have no objection to following the course he suggests. I am just reminded, however, that perhaps we should rather deal with the amendments of the section, leaving the final decision on the section until Deputies who have shown their interest in it are here. It occurs to me that possibly Deputies are not here who are interested in this section because of the understanding that this matter would not be dealt with until later. As there are no amendments down we might deal with the amendments on the Paper and leave the final decision on the Section over, unless in the meantime Deputies concerned arrive." The President then said: "The Deputy who is absent, who had an interest in this matter, and who had an amendment down, is Deputy Figgis. It is quite possible that he might return before we reach that stage."
The Minister for Home Affairs threw a doubt on my word yesterday. It was necessary for me to substantiate what I said. I have substantiated it.
