Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1959

Vol. 174 No. 14

Motion for Late Sitting.

An Tánaiste

By agreement between the Whips, it is proposed to sit later than 11 p.m. today, if necessary, to bring to a conclusion proceedings on the motion regarding the Third Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1958. I move:

That—

(1) if necessary, the Dáil sit later than 11 p.m. to-day to bring to a conclusion proceedings on the motion regarding the Third Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1958, and that in such case the hour at which business is to be interrupted be 12 midnight, and

(2) the proceedings on the motion if not previously brought to a conclusion shall be brought to a conclusion at 12 midnight by putting from the Chair forthwith and successively the Questions necessary to bring the proceedings to a conclusion: Provided that if the Taoiseach shall not already have been called upon by the Chair he shall be called by the Chair at 10.30 p.m.

Mr. Corish

Would the Tánaiste say again what the Whips agreed to?

An Tánaiste

To conclude the business at 12 tonight.

Mr. Corish

There was no Whip of the Labour Party consulted about it.

Donnchadh Ó Briain

Deputy Kyne was; Deputy Corish was not available.

Mr. Kyne

I did not agree to anything.

Mr. Corish

He was given this notification.

Mr. Kyne

I was notified that the Tánaiste proposed to bring forward the motion today, of which I indicated I would inform Deputy Corish when he returned, but I made no agreement.

Mr. Coogan

When they could not agree with the Seanad, they could not agree with you.

Mr. Sweetman

In relation to the agreement, it is only in respect of Item No. 9?

An Tánaiste

Yes; if that finishes early, the Dáil will adjourn at 10.30 p.m. as usual.

Mr. Sweetman

What does the phrase mean: "Questions necessary to bring the proceedings to a conclusion"?

An Tánaiste

The two questions.

Mr. Sweetman

The amendment and the motion?

An Tánaiste

Yes.

Mr. Corish

It should not be taken we have agreed to it. I should like to talk to the Parliamentary Secretary beforehand. I was under the impression this was a motion to be introduced by the Tánaiste but there was no question of any agreement.

An Tánaiste

I am sorry if I misrepresented the position in the matter. I have moved the motion. Is the Deputy agreeable?

Mr. Corish

No. Give us a chance to see on what we can agree before the Tánaiste comes into the House with a proposal.

Mr. Sweetman

I do not want to have any misunderstanding about my word. I agreed on behalf of Fine Gael.

Mr. Corish

We were not asked to agree.

Mr. Sweetman

I was asked and I did agree.

General Mulcahy

By what time has the decision to be taken to sit late?

An Tánaiste

By 8.30 p. m.

Mr. Norton

Could the Tánaiste take out this motion, let the consultations proceed and come back later?

General Mulcahy

Could we agree on a time to have the motion moved?

An Tánaiste

Say 7 o'clock. We shall move it as early as possible. If we find it can be done before 7 p.m. I shall move it.

Mr. McQuillan

Can we know exactly from the Tánaiste what time it is proposed to move this motion?

An Tánaiste

Not later than 7 p.m.

Mr. McQuillan

Is the Tánaiste not in a position to say it will be at 6.30 or 6.45?

An Tánaiste

I am prepared to fix a time which will give ample opportunity for any consultations necessary, but I should think most Deputies would find it convenient to know as soon as possible what has been arranged. Therefore, I think it would be the wish of the House that if that could be fixed earlier, it should be announced.

Mr. Corish

Six o'clock?

An Tánaiste

We shall say 6 o'clock.

Mr. McQuillan

We shall know at 6 p.m. The Tánaiste will appreciate that many other Deputies do not count as far as consultation is concerned, and we are anxious to know the precise time.

An Tánaiste

I undertake to make the announcement at 6 o'clock.