I would ask Deputy O'Hanlon to postpone the consideration of this motion for the attendance of the Minister for Industry and Commerce. If the Deputy insists I would be prepared to take it, but I should wish the Minister to be present when it is being considered.
Private Deputies' Business. - Facilities for Cattle Shipment in Dublin.
The following notice of motion appeared on the Order Paper:—
"That having regard to the lack of proper facilities for the shipment of cattle from Dublin port and the fact that the carrying trade from the Free State to British ports is practically noncompetitive, the Dáil is of opinion that the Executive Council should confer with the Dublin Commissioners, the Dublin Port and Docks Board, and the Cattle Traders' Association with a view to the erection of suitable municipal lairages at the North Wall and for facilities for berthage convenient thereto." (Deputy O'Hanlon).
Does the Deputy desire to move his motion?
I must admit that I have been taken by surprise by the collapse of the last motion.
Did the Deputy hear what the President said?
I did not.
I said that in the absence of the Minister for Industry and Commerce I was wondering whether the Deputy would agree to postpone his motion until the Minister is able to be present.
Very well.
There is also a motion in the name of Deputy Lemass.
There was, I think, more or less agreement that this motion should not be taken until the Report of the Economic Committee is available. As nobody anticipated that we would reach No. 11 on the Order Paper at this hour I think the most convenient course would be to adjourn now.
Politeness to the Deputy prevented me from making such a suggestion before. I now move that the Dáil adjourn until 3 p.m. on Wednesday next.
Before we adjourn, might I ask whether it is possible, in view of the national festival which is being held at Punchestown on Tuesday and Wednesday next, for the House to sit at 6 instead of 3 p.m. on Wednesday? Punchestown is a national affair and is not like an ordinary race meeting. People from all over the country and in fact from all over the world attend it. It is the duty of a great many people to be there. I would almost say that it is the President's duty to be there.
I am afraid that it is rather late now to make the suggestion.
I desire to support Deputy Wolfe's proposal.
We intended to mention the matter before the Dáil adjourned, but we have been taken by surprise owing to the collapse of the other motions. Would it not be possible to go on now until 2 o'clock and not sit until 6 o'clock on Wednesday?
The Deputy did not give any indication to the Chair that he intended to raise this matter and the President has already moved the adjournment.
The Dáil adjourned at 12.55 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th April.