Vol. 17 No. 2
I move:
That a Select Committee, consisting of ten Deputies, be appointed to make recommendations regarding certain proposals for legislation to amend the Constitution.
That the Ceann Comhairle be chairman of the committee.
That the quorum of the committee be six, and that the committee report back to the Dáil not later than December 1st.
That will dispose of items 4 to 7, inclusive, on the Orders of the Day.
The only comment I have to make on the resolution I have moved is that, in considering any recommendations regarding amendments to the Constitution, we ought to establish the principle that the Ceann Comhairle should be Chairman of the Committees appointed for the purpose. I think there will be general agreement on that. I presume that this Committee and the Committee that is dealing with the Land Bill would require the whole of a week to consider the proposals, and I think they ought not to have the duty of attending the Dáil during that time. In the circumstances, I propose that we should not meet next week, so that when we re-assemble on the following week we shall have these reports.
I have no objection to the proposal of the President, but, in connection with the suggestion that we should not meet next week, I should like to draw the President's attention to the fact that I have put down a motion which, if the ordinary notice were required, might not be taken until Wednesday next. It is a motion regarding unemployment and unemployment insurance. If the President is desirous that the House should not meet next week, perhaps he would afford facilities for taking this motion on Friday.
I should like Deputy Johnson to give me a little time to consider that suggestion. I have not made up the time-table yet, but if it is possible, I will meet him.
I should not like that next week pass over without having this matter discussed.
I quite understand that. Would I be at liberty to consider an earlier day than Friday— say, to-morrow—for Deputy Johnson's motion?
So far as I am concerned, yes.
I may be able to arrange it for to-morrow.
