Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 31 Oct 1952

Vol. 134 No. 6

Private Deputies' Business. - Local Government (Sanitary Services) (Joint Burial Boards) Bill, 1952—Second and Subsequent Stages.

Mr. H.P. Dockrell

I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. The reason for introducing this Bill is to give joint burial boards power to acquire land compulsorily. The Public Health (Ireland) Act of 1878 defined the powers of a burial board which did not include the compulsory acquisition of land. Joint burial boards were formed by provisional order pursuant to the Public Health (Ireland) Act and duly conferred by the Local Government Board (Ireland) (Provisional Order) (Confirmation) Act, 1899. Clause 9 of this latter Act gave a joint burial board the power of a burial board. It is now proposed to give joint burial boards the powers of a sanitary authority which will include the compulsory acquisition of land.

This Bill comes before the House as a Private Member's Bill but same has received the approval of the legal advisers to the Department of Local Government acting in conjunction with the legal advisers to the Dean's Grange Joint Burial Board.

Owing to the increase in population of the Dún Laoghaire Borough and Rathdown areas, it is now imperative that the Dean's Grange Joint Burial Board should acquire additional land in order to meet the estimated demand for some years to come.

Minister for Local Government (Mr. Smith)

I am aware of the need for clarification of the law in the manner proposed in the Bill. I am satisfied that the Bill, as drafted, gives effect to it. As far as the Government are concerned, it is not proposed to raise any objection to its enactment.

Question agreed to.

Mr. Cosgrave

Is it proposed to take the remaining stages now?

Mr. Smith

Yes.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Normally, this Bill would go to a Special Committee.

Mr. Smith

I was not aware of that procedure.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I understand that the House can waive that.

Mr. Smith

There is no reason that I know of why the House should not take the remaining stages now.

Agreed to take the remaining stages to-day.

Bill passed through Committee without amendment, reported, received for final consideration and passed.

Mr. Cosgrave

On behalf of the Dean's Grange Burial Board and of the Deputies concerned, I would like to thank the Minister for his co-operation.

Mr. Smith

Go raibh míle maith agat.