That concludes the Committee Stage of this Bill. Before Senators depart, I want to mention that the Report Stage of the Bill has now assumed an attitude of very great importance because most of the contentious matters that arose in the course of the Committee Stage here have been held over for a definite decision on the Report Stage. It is therefore, very important that Senators, so far as their convenience permits them, should make satisfactory arrangements to be here when the Report Stage is reached. On the other hand, for the same reason it is very desirable that we should have the assistance and the service of Ministers. I understand from the President that the engagements of himself and the Attorney-General, for the next fortnight at least, are of such a character that it would be perfectly impossible for either of them to give the time and attention that these amendments, which we propose to discuss on the Report Stage, will necessarily demand at their hands. Consequently I am quite sure that the Seanad would be very desirous and willing to meet them and to consult their convenience. At the same time I should like that whatever date is ultimately fixed for the Report Stage of the Bill should be a definite date, and that it should not be departed from. The date arranged will be one which, so far as I can secure it, will meet the convenience of Ministers. I hope it will be understood that the proceedings will go on from that particular date, because it is a little hard, particularly in the case of Senators who come from remote districts in the South, or from across the water, to be brought here thinking they are going to be occupied for two or three days, and then suddenly to find that the whole proceedings are abortive. I only mention that for two reasons— one, in order to secure as full an attendance of Senators as possible; and, secondly, to secure that whatever date is fixed for the Report Stage will be a definite fixture.
We have no business that would entitle or justify me in convening the Seanad for next week. As far as I can see, the first business for which we will require to meet again will be the Report Stage of this Bill. I would ask the House to leave that with me so that I may consult the convenience of Ministers before I definitely call upon the House to meet for the purpose of discussing the Report Stage. If that is the view of the House, I will be able to consult with the President and secure a date—of which ample notice will be given to each Senator—that will be convenient and at the same time that will be a definite fixture.
