I should like to put on record that, if there were not this time restriction because the Bill must be enacted before the end of this month, we would be challenging this section. We are totally opposed to the concept of it and it is simply out of courtesy to the House that a vote is not being called for. In other circumstances there would be lengthy debate on it.
Private Business. - Social Welfare Bill, 1979: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 to 4, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 5.
Question proposed: "That section 5 stand part of the Bill."
I appreciate the courtesy afforded by the Opposition on this point and I recognise their right to oppose this section. I trust Deputy Boland will also acknowledge the fact that I have not had time to reply to the criticism that has been made.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 6 and 7 agreed to.
SECTION 8.
Question proposed: "That section 8 stand part of the Bill."
I refer to the problem enunciated by the Minister and other Deputies in relation to new pension books. Would the Minister consider the notion of reissuing the books and having them sent to a central office where, even at great inconvenience, people could collect them, rather than have the present extraordinary and unhappy situation?
I assure the Deputy I have all these possibilities under consideration, but I am still hopeful that something will emerge from today's meeting. If not, some emergency arrangements will have to be made.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 9 to 12, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 13.
Question proposed: "That section 13 stand part of the Bill."
This is one of the sections where the Minister was looking for credit. I acknowledge that on Second Stage and I do so again now. The same thing applies to sections 14 to 18. In relation to all these sections I am glad that the influence we have brought to bear on the Minister has had fruitful results.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 14 to 21, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 22.
Question proposed: "That section 22 stand part of the Bill."
There is a special welcome for this section. It represents one of the few positive steps.
Deputy White could not find any improvements.
I said there were a few.
Question put and agreed to.
SECTION 23.
Question proposed: "That section 23 stand part of the Bill."
I asked in relation to this on Second Stage what the position would be in regard to women who had suffered under the previous arrangement.
I cannot do anything for them. It can run only from the current date.
If the birth has already taken place, they were too early.
Yes, before 6 April.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 24 to 28, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I wish to make it clear that, if it were not for the fact that we have a courteous and gentlemanly Whip who was prepared to agree to this measure being taken today, there would have been far more said and Committee Stage and this Stage would take much longer. If the Minister holds the same office when the next Social Welfare Bill is introduced, a reasonable time must be allowed for debate. With the way things have gone during the past six weeks, I have serious doubts about the necessity to make this point to the Minister because I am not sure he will still hold the office of Minister for Social Welfare. The sort of agreement given on this occasion could not be given again.
Question put and agreed to.