I note that after section 2 there appears the note "section 1" in the margin and opposite the heading, Schedule, but if we turn to page 8 we find the heading, First Schedule. I should like an explanation as to the reason for this. Also, I am wondering why the lines in the Bill are not numbered.
Private Business. - Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation Bill, 1979 [Seanad]: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 and 2 agreed to.
SCHEDULE.
Question proposed: "That the Schedule be the Schedule to the Bill."
The First Schedule is the Schedule to the Bill and the other two are to the order.
I understand.
The schedule is comprehensive.
Can the Minister explain why, on this occasion, the lines in the Bill are not numbered?
It is a private Bill.
Question put and agreed to.
Preamble agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
I move: "That the Bill be received for Final Consideration."
Question put and agreed to.
I move: "That the Bill do now pass."
I wish to make a point again about local representatives being cut off, as it were, as a result of the boundary extension. Surely by way of ministerial order the Minister could arrange to accommodate the people in question. Such a solution might solve the problem in this regard in other areas that would be affected similarly. In this specific proposed extension, south Kilkenny comes into consideration. I am of the very definite view that that extension was not agreed to because of a fear on the part of local politicians that they would lose a large number of their votes. Surely some mechanism can be devised whereby people who were elected six months ago to represent thousands of people in their own local areas should be allowed to continue that representation. Is that not a reasonable request?
I have no power to make such an order.
Will the Minister make some attempt to satisfy these people?
I have no power to do what the Deputy has in mind.
Question put and agreed to.