The matter I wish to raise is for the purpose of eliciting the views of the Government with reference to Irish manufacture. I understand the words are used in the Bill itself, and I think this will be a favourable opportunity of giving Irish manufacture preference particularly with reference to materials.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY (COMPENSATION) BILL, 1923. - USE OF IRISH BUILDING MATERIALS.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
If you wish to have this Bill amended by making it obligatory on the Ministry to use materials of Irish manufacture, that should have been done by way of amendment. I have no objection that the Minister should understand that you are anxious that Irish manufacture should be promoted.
I understood him to say that the only objection of the Dáil was that such a clause might give a monopoly or raise prices. That was a very proper objection, but I think a method might be accepted by the Government whereby none of those evils would arise, and still help would be given to Irish manufacture.
I hope Senator Kenny will understand that if you allow a discussion to take place it will open the door to many irregularities.
I simply suggest to the Government that they may see their way to put in some clause making it obligatory to use Irish manufactures as far as is practicable so long as it would not cost in any case 10 per cent. more than similar materials imported. That would give a measure of protection to the Irish article, and would not impose any undue hardship.
I think this has been already decided by the Seanad. The Government put forward the proposal and, the Seanad turned down an amendment to it.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not propose to allow further discussion. This closes the Report Stage of the Bill. I do not know whether it is the wish of the Seanad, that we should take the Final Stage of this Bill now.
There may be verbal amendments required in this important Bill as we are not absolutely clear on one or two points.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The only reason that I mention that is that I have received an assurance from the Dáil that they will have no business for us for next week, and if the Final Stage is not taken now it would mean either that we should meet next week, or that it should stand over for a fortnight.
We can take it to-morrow.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
If you are prepared to take it to-morrow that would meet the situation. I do not think you ought to let it stand over. Is it the wish of the Seanad that I shall direct that the Bill be put on the Order Paper for to-morrow?
Agreed.