I beg to move the Second Reading of this Bill. As I explained previously, the object of the Bill is to keep in operation certain provisions of the Local Government (Temporary Provisions) Act, which would otherwise lapse on the 31st March, during the life of the principal Act, which is until the 31st December of this year. Section 2 has the effect of keeping in operation the various County Schemes that came into force under this Act. Section 3 keeps in operation the present borrowing powers of local authorities, and Section 4 continues the powers to local authorities to strike a penny rate for the teaching of Irish.
WIRELESS BROADCASTING REPORT. - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1924—SECOND STAGE.
MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Mr. Burke)
I wish to ask the Minister for Local Government, before this Bill goes through, whether he is in agreement with the provisions of the original Act in respect of Clause 14. That leaves a person who is in the employment of a local authority the right to remain there until after the next election. Why does he hang on like grim death to that particular provision, having regard to what I pointed out to him before, and why does he not embody an amending clause to that clause?
I do not think that question arises on the discussion of this Bill. There is no provision in the Bill to amend Section 14.
It is an amending Bill to the principal Act, and I think I am quite justified in raising the point. This is a Bill to amend Act 9, of 1923. If you have the right to amend the provisions that suit you, why have I not the right to amend the provisions that suit me?
Mr. O'CONNELL
You are not a Minister.
Deputy Wilson can bring in an amending Bill.
Can I bring in an amendment on this Bill to amend the particular clause that I object to?
No. If this Bill gets a Second Reading in this form, a Deputy cannot bring in on the Committee Stage amendments which have nothing to do with the Sections which are proposed to be amended in the Bill as it now stands. The Deputy could bring in a Bill himself to amend any clauses of the Local Government (Temporary Provisions) Bill.
We have not a majority.
Mr. O'CONNELL
How do you know?
Will the Minister explain why he still clings to that particularly objectionable Section?
I was not responsible for introducing that Bill, and I do not see any particular objection to leaving it in force now.
I suppose the Minister is aware of the provision?
I take it from what the Minister said that he is quite agreeable to support Deputy Wilson if he introduces a Bill to further the object he seeks. The Minister does not see any reason for keeping the Act on the Statute. Can we get an assurance from him that he is prepared to use all his endeavours with his Party to secure support for Deputy Wilson?
I will have to wait until I see the form of Deputy Wilson's Bill.
To delete all the words after "Local Government."
Question put, and agreed to.
When shall the Committee Stage be taken?
This Bill had rather hard luck owing to exceptional circumstances. It has been held up, although it is a Bill which should be passed before the 31st of March. I think the House should be inclined to facilitate me in taking the Committee Stage now and agree to suspend Standing Orders.
Even if the Dáil were willing to suspend Standing Orders, I do not think there is a sufficient number of Deputies present to do it.
If the Dáil agrees, can it not be done?
I am afraid the Minister will have to make arrangements to have 53 Deputies to support his motion, whether the Dáil is agreeable or not. If he has not made arrangements for that support I am afraid he cannot suspend Standing Orders.
Perhaps it might be possible to consider the question later to-day.
Does the Minister suggest leaving over the making of the Order until some time later in the sitting?
Yes.
We will do that.