I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. I think members of the House have already got a memorandum explaining this Bill, and giving a list of the Acts which it is proposed to continue for another year. As the House is aware, this Bill, which is an annual one, requires to be enacted before the end of the present calendar year. It proposes to continue for a further year the same statutes which appear in Parts I and II of the Schedule to the Expiring Laws Act, 1938. As regards one of the statutes, permanent legislation has been enacted which, when it comes into operation, will make unnecessary the renewal of the Poor Relief (Dublin) Act, 1929. I refer to the Public Assistance Act, 1939. A permanent measure repealing the Local Authorities (Combined Purchasing) Act, 1925, has also been enacted, but, as it may not be possible to bring this Act into operation until after 1st January, 1940, it is necessary to continue the temporary Act. Further permanent legislation in the form of a general Local Government Bill is in contemplation, and this legislation will, if enacted, make it possible to dispense entirely with the Local Government (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923. I might add that consideration has been given to the desirability of enacting legislation to give permanence to the Acts hitherto continued by means of an annual Expiring Laws Act, but it is not considered desirable to do so except in the cases to which I have already referred.
Expiring Laws Bill, 1939—Second Stage.
I understand that I may avail myself of this opportunity of getting some information in connection with the Town Tenants Tribunal set up in 1925.
It does not come under this Bill.
It does not come under any Bill here.
The point I am raising is this——
It does not come in under any Bill on the schedule. We are limited to discussing whether or not these measures should be continued. A Deputy might move an amendment that some Bill which it is proposed to continue should cease. That is the measure of debate on this Bill. Obviously, the administration of various Departments may not be discussed, nor may the merits of the legislation. This is purely formal business.
Might I point out that Clause 7 of the memorandum regarding enactments to be continued makes reference to continuing legislation regarding the relationship between certain classes of landlords and tenants, which at present is the subject of inquiry by a tribunal. That is the tribunal to which I am referring, and I have a feeling—perhaps, wrongly— that I might have an opportunity here of ascertaining from the Minister some information with regard to that tribunal. What I wanted to know is very simple. I merely wanted to ask when the tribunal will present its report and when the report will be published.
The Deputy must be content with having asked that question.
I am afraid I cannot answer the Deputy's question.
It is not relevant. The Minister naturally could not be expected to have that information at his disposal now.