At this stage perhaps the Government will give us an indication whether it is intended to pass all these Bills before the Dáil is dissolved? If it is not, what is the purpose of introducing them, seeing that they may have to be withdrawn and subsequently re-introduced? I do not mind what the decision ultimately will be, but we ought to have some picture of the legislative programme.
Garda Síochána (Acquisition of Sites and Retention of Premises) Bill, 1947—First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the compulsory acquisition by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland of sites for Garda Síochána Stations and for houses for members of the Garda Síochána and to enable the said Commissioners to hold certain premises used for the accommodation of members of the Garda Síochána. —(Minister for Justice).
It is not anticipated there will be opposition to any of the measures that are being introduced to-day. Accordingly, I suggest we better reserve anything we might have to say as to whether it is intended to put them through or not before the Dáil dissolves until Deputies see the texts of the Bills. I think there will be no difficulty in securing their passage before the Dáil adjourns.
Up to what date in December will the House sit?
It is not possible to say that, but it will certainly sit next week.
I should like to support Deputy Norton's query. Can we anticipate there will be additional legislative proposals put before the House? The Taoiseach indicated a short time ago that there are certain Bills he considered it essential to pass before the dissolution. Now new Bills are appearing. Can we be told if there will be any further new Bills?
I expect there will be at least one other Bill, dealing with the relief of rates on agricultural land —a Bill to extend, for another year, the present system of relief.
At this time it is usually possible to get the legislative programme before the Christmas recess. We are now in the month of December and there seems to be an unreal reticence about giving information. Will the House dissolve before Christmas or merely adjourn as usual and reassemble in January?
I think I informed the House that I would see the Leaders of the different Parties with regard to the whole list of Bills. I felt there was no point in doing that until we saw how far the Bills already before the House were being disposed of. I expect I will be able to do it before this week ends.
Second Stage fixed for Wednesday, 10th December.