Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Nov 1943

Vol. 91 No. 11

Sittings of Dáil—Motion.

Rúnaí Páirliminte don Taoiseach (Eamon O Ciosáin)

Tairgim:—

D'ainneoin éinní contrárdha dhó san atá sna Buan-Orduithe agus go dtí go ndéanfar socrú eile le rún, go mbeidh feidhm ag na socruithe seo leanas maidir le suidheanna den Dáil ar an Máirt, ar an gCéadaoin, agus ar an Dardaoin:—

(a) tiocfaidh an Dáil le chéile ar a 3 p.m. agus cuirfear í ar athló tráth nach déanaí ná 9.30 p.m.;

(b) an stopndh gnótha dá ndéantar socrú i bhfo-alt (2) de Bhuan-Ordú 20, is ar 9 p.m. déanfar é; agus

(c) i geás aon am áirithe fairis sin do bheith ceaptha le Buan-Ordú, maidir le haon lá aca san, chun aon chríche áirithe, léireofar an Buan-Ordú san fé is dá mba am uair go leith níos luaithe bheadh ceaptha arnhlaidh.

That notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Standing Orders, and until farther resolved, the following provisions shall apply in respect of sittings of the Dáil on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays:—

(a) the Dáil shall meet at 3 p.m. and shall adjourn not later than 9.30 p.m.

(b) the interruption of business, provided for in sub-section (2) of Standing Order 20, shall take place at 9 p.m.; and

(c) where a time is otherwise specified by Standing Order, in respect of any of those days, for any particular purpose, such Standing Order shall be construed as though the time so specified were one and one-half hours earlier.

Mr. Allen

I notice that it is proposed to change the hour of rising from 9.30 to 9 o'clock. I suppose that that is based on a recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I have heard country Deputies say that they object to that proposal. It is designed to suit people who are resident in Dublin and not country Deputies. The hours are being shortened each week, and as a consequence country Deputies must spend a longer time in the city. There is no reason why the House should not sit until 10.30, as was usual.

Mr. Kissane

This motion is tabled following upon a recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It was understood that a number of Deputies could not get a bus after 9.30. To meet their convenience it was suggested that the House should adjourn at 9 o'clock instead of 9.30. There was a general agreement on that proposal at the meeting of the Committee.

Mr. Anthony

It is very difficult to hear what the Parliamentary Secretary is saying.

An Ceann Comhairle

He has explained that this motion is based on a unanimous recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Mr. Anthony

As a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, I should like to know if objection is being taken to the recommendation of the Committee.

An Ceann Comhairle

Apparently.

Mr. Anthony

Objection is being taken to the proposal to meet at 3 p.m. and adjourn not later than 9 p.m.?

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputies are entitled to object to the motion if they so desire.

Mr. Anthony

I could not grasp what the Parliamentary Secretary said.

Mr. Norton

The proposal was agreed to at the Committee by the representatives of Deputy Allen's own Party.

Mr. Allen

That is no reason why I should not object.

Mr. Norton

Fight it out with them.

Mr. Hughes

I agree with Deputy Allen. The clipping of one and a half hours off the time of the House will inevitably involve country Deputies in further days' attendance here because a certain amount of business must be done. Country Deputies will have to rome here extra days and that is a serious matter when the primary consideration is the production of food. The majority of country Deputies are interested in that matter.

Mr. Norton

Again, the proposal was pressed by the representatives of Deputy Hughes' Party.

Mr. Hughes

I do not care by whom it was pressed. I am expressing a personal opinion.

Mr. MacEntee

There is a convention in the House that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges voices the opinion of all the members, particularly front-bench members.

An Ceann Comhairle

Shall we take the motion as agreed?

Agreed.