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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 1973

Vol. 268 No. 12

Army Pensions Bill, 1973: First Stage.

Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend and extend the Army Pensions Acts, 1923 to 1971. —(Minister for Defence.)

When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

I should like to get it through quickly and I suggest tomorrow. It is a Bill produced by my predecessor. It is merely tidying up things and making it easier for people who want a final opportunity for appeal in respect of a pension refused.

It is extraordinary how Ministers appeal for matters that have already been done when they want things done expeditiously. This Bill was circulated privately to some people only this morning. It has implications that we would like an opportunity of examining and I would not now like to undertake that we would take the Second Reading tomorrow.

It was, in fact, given to the Fianna Fáil whips last Friday evening at 4.15 but I am in the hands of the House.

There are Deputies in the House who did not have access to the Bill other than those who saw copies of it. They are also entitled to their point of view.

They will have access to it this evening.

Yes, and the Minister expects them to take it tomorrow. He will admit that it is not uncomplicated.

It is not very complicated.

I am not making an issue of it but we want a chance to look at it properly and in time.

Certainly. I am quite prepared to put it back for a week if necessary. What about Thursday?

I think next week would be time enough.

Very well. Tuesday of next week.

What else will be taken on Thursday morning? Will the Electoral Bill be taken that morning.

We will probably finish it——

Will it start on Thursday morning?

Thursday morning.

There would not be much room for amendments of the Military Pensions Bill then on Thursday morning.

The Electoral Bill will only take half-an-hour.

The Gerrymander Bill.

It took six months to draft it.

(Interruptions.)

You may have codded the Press but you have not codded us.

(Interruptions.)
Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, November 20th.
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