In view of the possibility of the Dáil adjourning this week, could I move No. 4, that is to get leave for the introduction of the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill so as to have it printed and circulated to-morrow?
Agreed.
Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill, 1943—First Stage.
I move for leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to extend, for the purpose of securing the public safety and the preservation of the State in time of war, the period during which the Emergency Powers Act, 1939, shall remain in force.
Question put and agreed to.
Bill read the First Time.
Second Stage provisionally fixed for to-morrow.
Will the Taoiseach say whether there is in this Emergency Powers Bill any new provision, or does it merely continue the existing Act?
It is merely a continuation.
Therefore, no special consideration need be given to the new measure. This is a Bill merely continuing the existing Act, there are no new details?
No.
I understand that last year the continuing Bill provided for some amendments in what was up to then the parent Act. I may be wrong in that—but I think I am right.
There is the parent Act, and there are at least two amending Acts. Then there are other continuing Acts.
Will the Taoiseach say whether it is proposed by this Bill merely to continue the existing Act as it stands without any amendment?
Oh, no, the existing Acts.
Will be continued?
Yes.
And this Bill does not propose to amend them in any way?
No; it will be merely a continuation of the present position.
When is it proposed to take the Second Stage?
To-morrow.
Suppose the other business is not concluded. Is there any arrangement made about concluding the consideration of the Vote on Account and allocating a certain amount of time to the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill?
It has been stated that if the House wishes to conclude the business outlined, the Dáil will meet on Friday for that purpose.
Is it intended to wind up the discussion on the Vote on Account to-morrow night and devote Friday to the consideration of the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill, or is the House goins to ramble on half-way through Friday?
The Chair cannot, of course, make any pronouncement on that.
Would it not be well to allocate time for the consideration of those items?
Mr. Cosgrave
It is the desire of his Party to have the Vote on Account finished to-morrow.
The Vote on Account and the Central Fund (No. 2) Bill?
Mr. Cosgrave
Yes.
That seems to be reasonable.
Then the discussion on the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill could take place on Friday?
Mr. Cosgrave
Yes.
Or earlier?
Yes, if the other business is concluded.