I ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to apply certain sums out of the Central Fund to the service of the years ending on the 31st day of March, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-two and one thousand nine hundred and thirty-three. This is the ordinary Central Fund Bill which is necessary to place the moneys which the House has just approved of in the Vote on Account at our disposal.
Central Fund Bill, 1932.
Leave granted. Bill read a First Time.
Agreed—to take all stages now.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be read a Second Time."—(Minister for Finance).
I want to ask one question, and I am not pressing for an answer now. I expect to get an answer the next day on which the Dáil meets. I want to know whether or not the various Ministers holding office in the State will regard these offices as whole-time employment.
I think I can answer that question now. There may be some technical point involved, but, taking the ordinary acceptation of the term, "whole-time employment," I would answer "Yes" to the question without hesitation. I am, of course, safeguarding myself as regards any technical point.
There is only one alternative question to be asked: Will directorships, or other posts, be held by persons who occupy Ministerial offices?
Certainly not, where there will be any remuneration involved.
That is another point. I am not pressing for an answer now, but I will require an answer on the next occasion on which the Dáil meets.
Question put and agreed to.
Bill put through Committee and reported without amendment.
Fourth and Fifth Stages agreed to.
Bill certified as a Money Bill by the Ceann Comhairle, in accordance with Article 35 of the Constitution, and ordered to be sent to the Seanad.