The purpose of the Electoral (Seanad Elections) Bill, 1925, is to make certain changes in the electoral law so as to provide for the coming elections to the Seanad. The matters to be dealt with include the fixing of the date for the formation of the Panel and the variation of certain periods, prescribed by the Electoral Act of 1923, for the holding of the election which, owing to the number of candidates and certain other difficulties in connection with these elections, have been found to be too short. The form of the ballot paper prescribed by the Electoral Act, for one thing, is found inappropriate for these Seanad elections and it will be necessary to take power to alter it. Having regard to the period which will elapse from the date of the formation of the Panel until the date of the declaration of the result of the election, it is considered desirable to make provision for the death of the candidate in the meantime.
ELECTORAL (SEANAD ELECTIONS) BILL, 1925—FIRST STAGE.
Is that the Minister's Department?
It is desirable to make provision for the contingency of the death of the candidate in the mean-tinme. Owing to the method which the Constitution prescribes for filling up the places of members chosen to fill casual vacancies, it will be necessary to have rules for determining the order in which candidates shall be deemed to be elected. We can go further into this Bill at a later stage. I move that leave be given to introduce the Bill and that it be printed and circulated.
Question put and agreed to.
Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, 16th June, 1925.