On Section 6, Sir, I should like to point out that there seems to be an error in the first line of the section. I suggest that the word "received" there should be "receives".
Committee on Finance. - Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Bye-Elections) Bill, 1940—Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 to 5, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 6.
Question proposed: "That Section 6 stand part of the Bill."
Yes, that is correct.
It would then read: "Whenever the Minister receives from the clerk"?
Yes.
The typographical amendment will be made.
Section 6, as amended, agreed to.
Sections 7 to 20, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 21.
Question proposed: "That Section 21 stand part of the Bill."
I should like to point out that there are two typographical errors in this section. For instance, two sets of lines are numbered 55, at the bottom of page 11, and then, in line 58 you have "ony" instead of "only".
Typographical errors may be corrected afterwards.
Sections 21 to 27, inclusive, and Title of the Bill, agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I would like to ask the Minister, if he finds that the Seanad regards this Bill as the curious thing that we regard it here, whether he would convey to them our apologies and explain the circumstances in which it did not get the detailed examination here that a Bill on an important subject such as this is ought to have, and would he, between this and the discussion in the Seanad, consider a proposition that he may find himself up against in the Seanad, that is, a request that this Bill be made of a temporary character, say, for a period of three years or such period after the present emergency terminates as may be thought reasonable so that the matter can be re-reviewed in the light of any possible operation of the Bill that there might be in the meantime? We would not like the Seanad to think that this was really a considered measure so far as this side of the House is concerned.
I do not think that there is anything peculiar about this Bill. I think that it is a very proper Bill and a good Bill. I am quite sure that the Seanad itself would be aware of what discussion, if any, took place in the Dáil and I am sure they will have their views about it and that we will hear them. The Deputy will not take it that I am for one moment admitting that this is a Bill that should be accepted as of a temporary character. I think it is a Bill that will be found good in its principles and proper in its applications.
Question put and agreed to.