I introduced this Bill in the hope that it would be unopposed. The purpose of the Bill is to enable work to be begun under this scheme sooner than it could be if we were to wait until Standing Orders for the Dáil and Seanad in relation to Private Bills and Provisional Orders had been adopted. The Council first put forward this scheme in 1911. At that time an inquiry was held and opposition was offered by the riparian owners and the Dublin Corporation, which wished to supply the water. Negotiations were going on when the European War broke out in 1914, and the whole matter fell into abeyance. It was raised again recently, and an inquiry was held by an Engineering Inspector of the Local Government Department. No opposition was offered at that inquiry. The riparian owners were satisfied to let the scheme go on and the Dublin Corporation no longer desired to supply the water. A Provisional Order, consequently, was made. I think there could be no danger in passing this confirming Bill in all the circumstances, as no opposition has been offered. Everybody concerned has been served with copies of the Provisional Order, and has been invited to enter any protest they liked. If there had been opposition I would not have introduced it as a public Bill, but would have allowed it to go through the scrutiny that a Private Bill would go through ordinarily. If any opposition had been offered in the Dáil I would not have gone on with it, and if there were to be opposition in the Seanad I would not desire to have it carried by a majority, because I think it is a type of legislation that should not be carried, unless there is agreement, otherwise than in the usual way and after the usual inquiries and hearings that would take place in regard to Private Bills. The scheme is a necessary one. It is not a very expensive scheme, as it only amounts to about £11,000. The work is necessary, and if the Bill is passed by the Seanad, and the powers given, it will enable employment to be given on necessary work immediately, and will be a very useful measure. As I say, unless the Bill were taken as agreed, I would not press it at all on the Seanad, but I think there could be no objection to it.
RATHDOWN No. 1 WATERWORKS PROVISIONAL ORDER CONFIRMATION BILL, 1923. - (SECOND STAGE.)
If there is no opposition would it not be possible to take the Bill in all its Stages and pass it at once?
AN LEAS-CHATHAOIRLEACH
It would be if the suspension of Standing Orders were moved, not otherwise.
I beg to move the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable all the Stages of the Bill to be taken.
I beg to second.
I am sorry, but I must oppose that motion as a matter of principle, because I think it is an extremely bad custom. I have no objection to this Bill, and I would be the last person to oppose it, but I think, that to go out of our way like this only creates ill-feeling. We can go into the matter at the proper time to-morrow. I think it is a bad principle and I oppose it.
AN LEAS-CHATHAOIRLEACH
The position is that suspension of the Standing Orders may be moved and carried if there is a two-thirds majority of the Seanád present and voting.
I think it is rather a dangerous precedent and I agree with Senator Colonel Moore.
If it is generally the wish of the Seanád that the Standing Orders should not be suspended I am quite prepared to withdraw. With a Bill of this nature, which no doubt is important, I cannot see that we are doing anything wrong by suspending the Standing Orders. It is always open to the Seanád in future when such suspension is suggested to negative it.
AN LEAS-CHATHAOIRLEACH
I would suggest that as the Bill is down for the Committee Stage to-morrow, and as there is some opposition that it might be left over until then.
Very well, I withdraw.
Motion made and question put: "That the Bill be read a second time."
Agreed.