Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 31 Mar 1933

Vol. 46 No. 14

Trade Agreement With South Africa.

The President

I move:—

Go gceaduíonn an Dáil an Cóaontú Trádála idir Saorstát Eireann agus Aontas na hAifrice Theas a sighníodh in Ottawa an 20adh lá de Lúnasa, 1932, agus 'na bhfuil a théacs i dTuarasgabháil na Códhála Economíochta Impriúla bhí ar siúl in Ottawa, 1932 (Imleabhar Foirlíontach) do leagadh ar Bhord na Dála an 28adh lá de Mhí na Samhna, 1932, agus go molann don Ard-Chomhairle gach ní is gá do dhéanamh chun an Chó-aontuithe sin do dhaingniú.

That the Dáil approves of the Trade Agreement between the Irish Free State and the Union of South Africa signed at Ottawa on the 20th day of August, 1932, the text of which is contained in the Report of the Imperial Economic Conference held at Ottawa, 1932 (Supplementary Volume) laid on the Table of the Dáil on the 28th day of November, 1932, and recommends the Executive Council to take the necessary steps to ratify the said Agreement.

Mr. Cosgrave

Is there anything to be said in connection with this particular motion? Is it simply a question of formally moving a matter of that sort without giving the House any information about it?

Mr. Lemass

I would agree that it stand over if there is any desire to discuss it.

Mr. Cosgrave

Surely to goodness, in all decency, when a motion comes up which proposes a Treaty between two countries it should not simply be moved by the Leader of the Government without comment. Months ago this particular thing was circulated. I do not know whether notice of motion has been on the Order Paper before in connection with this matter. I think it has been. From recollection, I would say there are three items we are getting advantages from, and we are giving advantages in about eight items. The House is being trifled with when the Leader of the Government stands up and says "I move," without any indication of what is involved, or anything of that sort.

The President

I propose that the discussion be postponed until Wednesday.

Mr. Cosgrave

Who is seconding the motion? Is it the President of the Executive Council or the Minister for Industry and Commerce?

The President

The matter will be taken by the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I simply moved it formally.

Mr. Cosgrave

We are improving on Parliamentary manners. There is no doubt about it.