I move for leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the incorporation of a transport company to be called Coras Iompair Eireann, for the transfer to that company of the undertakings of the Great Southern Railways Company and the Dublin United Transport Company, Limited, to amend the law relating to railways and other transport undertakings and to provide for certain other matters connected with the matters aforesaid.
Transport (No. 2) Bill, 1944—First Stage.
We have already intimated to the Government that we consider it very inconsiderate on their part to press this matter. The last Dáil indicated fairly generally that it would be unreasonable to go ahead with this Bill until the report of the tribunal was received.
Is this an objection to the First Reading?
Yes.
Is the Deputy opposing the First Reading?
Yes.
We saw a Transport Bill in the last Dáil and, towards the end of the debate on that Bill, the Minister indicated that he proposed to introduce very radical changes into it. We have not had an opportunity of seeing the No. 2 Bill and I should like to know from the Minister if this No. 2 Bill is the same as the Bill originally introduced.
What is the procedure when a Bill is opposed on First Reading?
I am asking whether Transport Bill No. 2 is a copy of Transport Bill No. 1, or whether this No. 2 Bill includes the amendments in respect of the matters to which objection was raised when the first Bill was before the House. It seems to me rather fatuous to go through the procedure of reintroducing the No. 1 Bill at this stage since the Minister has indicated that he proposes to make radical changes in it.
What is happening now?
What is the procedure?
When leave is asked to introduce a Bill, a Deputy supporting the motion and a Deputy opposing it, may speak briefly. Deputies have to wait for the Bill to ascertain what it contains.
I wanted to find out what was in the Bill.
That is not permissible at this stage.
It is not allowed.
The Minister for Local Government is still at his rowdy tactics.
I understand that, when a Bill is opposed, the Minister may or may not make a statement.
This Bill is part of the Government's programme and it is intended to submit it to the Dáil and endeavour to secure its enactment.
Question put and declared carried.
When is it proposed to take the Second Stage?
This day week.
Is it in order now to ask when the Bill will be circulated and whether it will contain the changes Deputy Norton speaks about?
That may not be discussed now.
I do not mind informing Deputies that the Bill will contain no changes other than alterations of the dates rendered necessary by the delay.
Will the Minister consider postponing the Second Reading until the report of the tribunal is received?
No.
Is it still intended to make the amendments in the Bill which the Minister foreshadowed when we discussed the matter on the last occasion?
You would not accept those amendments then.
They can be discussed in Committee at the proper time.
May I inquire when the Bill will be circulated?
It is available for circulation now.
Second Reading fixed for Tuesday, 20th June, 1944.