The motion is that the Preamble stand part of the Bill.
Agreed.
SEANAD IN COMMITTEE.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The motion is that Clause 1 stands part of the Bill.
Unless these clauses are read how is it possible to move amendments?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The Senators have all been in possession of copies of this Bill. The motion is that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.
Agreed.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The motion is that Clause 2 (Section 1) stand part of Bill.
Agreed.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The motion is that Clause 2 (Section 2) stand part of the Bill.
Agreed.
I rather take exception to that portion. I think provision is made further on for the age at which the Auditor-General has got to retire. I think it was fixed at 70.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Yes. Clause 3 (Sub-section 1) provides that.
Yes. After a period of fifteen years he retires on two-thirds of his salary. He may begin at a very old age. He may take up the position at 55 and go on until 70 and get two-thirds of his salary. I think it might be well to see that the initial age should be kept under a certain age, say 45. Perhaps it could be arranged that no man serving fifteen years could retire without some cause other than mere old age. I would like it to be understood that a man who is appointed Auditor-General, after fifteen years should not be allowed to retire automatically and get two-thirds of his salary. I do not think that he would be justified in getting it. I think it would be well to add a clause that no person should be qualified for the position after the age of 45—or something of that nature.
I think that full provision is made in the Bill for cases of illness; and the Auditor-General can retire at 60 with a good pension.
May I mention, with great respect, that it is not a bit of good discussing possible amendments to this Bill when there is no Minister here. It has been suggested that we should either swallow it whole or go through it Clause by Clause in the old way. In the absence of a Minister, or some representative of the Government, it is really only wasting our time for Senators to suggest amendments in the manner in which we have so eloquently heard it done. For the purpose of getting on with the business, I think we should wait until we have the benefit of the advice of some member of the Government, or swallow the Bill holusbolus, as my friend, Sir Thomas Esmonde, suggested.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Do you move that as an amendment—as a new Clause.
No. I am satisfied to withdraw.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The motion is that Clause 3 stand part of the Bill.
Agreed.
I think that the age of retirement should be 65 instead of 70. I think that the man that fills this important post should not remain in that position as long as stated in the Clause. Sixty-five years was, I believe, the age fixed in the Civil Service for retirement, and I think that it ought to be the proper age in this Bill, dealing with an appointment like this. I beg to move that, instead of 70 years, the age for retirement should be 65 years.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
In other words, you move as an amendment that the word "seventy" be omitted and "sixty-five" inserted? Does any Senator second that amendment? The amendment falls to the ground for want of a seconder.
Motion made and question put that Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 stand part of the Bill.
Agreed.