I think amendments Nos. 1 and 2 might be considered together:—
1. In page 7, line 52, sub-section (2), before the word "separate" to insert the words "then and in such case (save as is otherwise provided by the next following sub-section of this section)".
2. In page 8, before sub-section (3) to insert a new sub-section as follows:—
(3) Where the same day is the polling day at two or more referenda and the Minister is of opinion that it is for any reason impracticable or inexpedient to comply with the next preceding sub-section of this section in regard to those referenda, the following provisions shall apply and have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Minister may direct that separate ballot papers shall be issued for one or more or all of such referenda;
(b) where the Minister gives such direction as is authorised by the foregoing paragraph of this sub-section, separate ballot papers shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the said next preceding sub-section, be issued in accordance with that direction;
(c) where the Minister gives such direction as aforesaid and such direction does not apply to all of such referenda, then and in such case, if there is only one of such referenda to which such direction does not apply, separate ballot papers shall be issued for that one of such referenda, and, if there are two or more of such referenda to which such direction does not apply, the said next preceding sub-section shall apply and have effect in relation to those two or more of such referenda.
The purpose of these amendments is to meet a point raised by Deputy O'Sullivan. He suggested that, while the Bill provided that if two or more referenda were to be taken on the same day only one ballot paper was to be used, it might, in certain circumstances, be convenient to leave to the discretion of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health the question whether one or more ballot papers might be used. These amendments are giving effect to Deputy O'Sullivan's suggestion. I move amendment No. 1.