Before I call the next business on the Orders of the Day, I want to ask, so that Senators might consider the matter amongst themselves, as it is one in which their own convenience should be consulted, what they would like to do with regard to Bills that might be available between this and the adjournment over the Christmas recess. The business of the Orders of the Day, though lengthy, is not likely to be protracted, because, perhaps with one exception, the Bills are all non-contentious and of a purely formal character. I think there is no doubt that we will be able to dispose of the business on to-day's Orders of the Day this afternoon. The Dáil, I understand, after this week, are adjourning until the 15th January next, but the Judiciary Bill, perhaps the most important Bill that the Seanad will have to deal with, is through the Dáil, and is now ready to be received in the Seanad. I want Senators to consider and determine this amongst themselves, as it is probable it will not be very convenient, at any rate for some of them, to attend here next week, which is the week immediately before Christmas. What occurred to me was that perhaps they might wish to take the Second Reading of the Judiciary Bill on Friday next. I think it would be too soon to ask them to take it tomorrow, as they would only get the Bill in its complete state to-day. The alternative to taking that Bill on Friday would be to take it next week or to hold it over until we re-assemble after the Christmas recess. There will be no other business available for us until after the adjournment for Christmas, except a non-contentious Bill, the Expiring Laws Bill, which must be passed before we adjourn for Christmas. Perhaps we will be in a position to dispose of that Bill on Friday next. If the Seanad preferred to take the Second Reading of the Judiciary Bill on Friday, rather than assemble next week, or to hold it over until after the Christmas recess, there will be ample time during the discussions of the business for Senators to consider the matter, and I will gladly give effect to whatever is the view of the greater number.
BUSINESS OF THE SEANAD.
