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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Mar 1966

Vol. 221 No. 10

Private Business. - Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation Bill, 1966 [Seanad]: Second Stage.

I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time.

I understand that there has been general agreement among the Parties about this Bill at local level, but in view of the fact that this was not ordered until yesterday evening, when a phone message informed me that it was likely to be taken today, and in view of the fact that Deputy Kyne, who is one of the best attenders, is not present, through no fault of his own, I would prefer if the Bill could be deferred until tomorrow. I do not think there is any extreme urgency in dealing with it. If there is not, I suggest that it could be deferred.

I should like to assure Deputy Tully that there was agreement about this Bill when it came before a joint meeting of Waterford County Council and Waterford Corporation as to the extension of the Waterford Borough.

I wish you would make up your mind. Are you going to take it now or not?

We are, and it was agreed by the corporation.

I do not give a fiddlede-dee. If you are going to take it, I will go out and smoke a cigarette.

I think Deputy Kenneally heard of the Cork Borough boundary, in which case there was also agreement until one of the Fianna Fáil Deputies changed his mind. I do not know what happened in Waterford. I am simply protesting against its being taken today because of the circumstances in which it is being taken. If it is urgent, then I withdraw my objection. I do not think it is urgent.

The Deputy is maintaining his objection?

Acting Chairman

I take it that it will be taken tomorrow.

How do we know that tomorrow suits?

Acting Chairman

Tomorrow is the earliest date on which it can be taken.

On a point of order, could I ask how it is that the Labour Party were not informed?

We were informed by telephone yesterday evening. It was not on the order for the week. I appreciate the difficulty I am creating, but in view of the fact that it is Deputy Kyne's job to deal with this matter and that he attends this House better than anybody I know, it would be unfair to him to take it now. I am sorry; I could not take an assurance from the Deputy opposite that everything is all right. I am not doubting his word.

I am not worried one way or the other, but I should like to say that I was not informed by telephone as early as the Deputy about taking it today, but the Bill was discussed in the Seanad last week and I understood it was to be taken this week. I do not know on which day I heard that Deputy Kyne would wish to be here for it. I took it that the change of order—earlier today it appeared that it would be the first business after Questions—was because Deputy Kyne might have been here.

I think it was put back for the purpose of interrupting my speech.

I am sorry if we should have put the Deputy off his stroke but that is unlikely.

I agree.

Lest anyone might think that we were trying to put anything across, I should like to say that I am merely the vehicle through which this extension, agreed by the council and the corporation, both as to the extent of the area and the important matter of compensation, is being carried out. It was completely agreed between them before they came with this to me at all.

I am not suggesting that the Minister is trying to put one across. He can understand what my position is. At one time there used be a Whips' meeting at which these things were arranged. They no longer take place.

I thought you still had them. I do not really mind a postponement in deference to the wish that has been expressed.

The House will sit tomorrow?

Yes, but it does not follow that this business will, in fact, be taken tomorrow. We will leave it and sort it out when we come to it.

Consideration of Second Stage postponed until Wednesday, 16th March, 1966.

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