I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. The Minister for Justice is engaged in the Seanad.
Public Business. - Offences Against the State (Forfeiture) Bill, 1940—Second Stage.
I think it was agreed to give all stages of this Bill to-day, but I want to put to the Minister what I put to the Minister for Justice earlier, and he agreed, that this is a Bill which, in ordinary circumstances, might be contentious; but, recognising the peculiar situation, nobody wants to import into this discussion the kind of contention that might arise in normal circumstances. We ought not, however, to write this Bill into our permanent legislation. I suggest to the Minister, therefore, that he might put into this Bill a section, intimating that it has a limited life; in other words, that the operation of the Bill would be for 12 months, so that perhaps in calmer circumstances we might review the position. That gives the Minister all the power and authority he wants for the problem with which this Bill immediately deals and, at the same time, enables him in these circumstances to get a short continuation Bill at the end of that period.
I was only handed this Bill before the Minister went to the Seanad and I do not know what his views are; but I certainly will convey to the Minister what the Deputy has stated.
He agreed with these views when I put them to him. If the Minister does not amend it now he cannot amend it afterwards.
He can amend it in the Seanad. I am quite sure the Deputy is satisfied with the Minister's undertaking.
So long as the matter is attended to in the Seanad I am satisfied.
I will see to that.
Question put and agreed to.