Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 26 Oct 1928

Vol. 26 No. 9

PRIVATE BUSINESS. LIMERICK CORPORATION GAS UNDERTAKING (PENSIONS) BILL, 1928. - SEANAD ELECTION MOTION.

MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT and PUBLIC HEALTH (General Mulcahy)

I move:—

"That the Seanad Election Motion, 1928, be adopted."

From the passing of this Motion to-day until 12 noon on Wednesday, 7th November, nominations for the panel may be received, and the voting for the panel will take place on Thursday, 8th November, between the end of Question Time and 5.30 p.m. on that day. There are two amendments down on the Order Paper in the name of Deputy Lemass. I have put down one amendment which, I suggest, meets his first amendment. I am prepared to accept his second amendment, though it may devolve on the returning officer to see that the proceedings do not resolve themselves into a conversazione.

Mr. G. BOLAND

Deputy Lemass does not move his first amendment. Amendment No. 1 not moved.

General MULCAHY

I move: To delete the words "purports to nominate" and substitute the words "shows that the person nominated by such paper is".

Mr. G. BOLAND

My recollection is that the Minister said that, as well as giving facilities to people on the Riviera to vote, he would consider the possibility of giving the same facilities to people in America. One of our Deputies is there, and I hope that the Minister will remember that fact when the Seanad election comes off. I do not mind the other people.

General MULCAHY

As that matter has arisen, may I say that I am doing my best, and I hope to make arrangements for the election whereby there will be allowed fourteen days between the issue of the papers and the carrying out of the election.

Mr. MOORE

Is that the maximum time you can allow?

General MULCAHY

I think it is the maximum time we will be able to allow.

Amendment put and agreed to.

Mr. G. BOLAND

On behalf of Deputy Lemass I move:—

"To insert at the end of Rule 15 a new paragraph as follows:—

"The counting of the votes shall take place in the presence of any Deputy who may desire to be present, and who was, either the proposer, seconder, or assenter to the nomination of a candidate. Not later than 5.30 p.m. on the afternoon of the eight day of November, 1928, the returning officer shall announce to the Dáil the hour and place at which the counting of the votes will take place."

Amendment put and agreed to.

Motion, as amended, put and agreed to.