That disposes of all the business that is available for us. So far as I know, that question of the Railways (Directorate) Bill, 1924, which it was thought would reach the Seanad before this hour, has not yet been dealt with by the Dáil, who, I understand, have not finally considered it yet. I understand it is still being discussed in the Dáil. The discussion is likely to terminate soon and the Bill to be passed. The alternatives are now that we should adjourn until 4 o'clock, or that we should adjourn now and meet again next week.
BUSINESS OF THE SEANAD.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Is it clear that we will not have to meet next week in any case?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
That will depend upon whether there is any suggestion to come to an arrangement with the Dáil in the matter of the Licensing Bill.
It would depend on that. It would also depend on the Port and Docks Bill. It is almost inevitable that we will have one meeting next week.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I am informed that the Port and Docks Bill is not wanted before Christmas.
Is it in order to take it immediately, or would we have to suspend the Standing Orders? We have not the Bill yet in our hands.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think most of the Seanad are acquainted with the general objects of the Bill. It has been circulated for some time.
It is a Bill of the very greatest importance; it has been discussed at great length in the Dáil and it has caused great controversy.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Yes. The House can determine that when they meet at 4 o'clock. I am not for a moment asking them to do anything unusual with regard to the Bill. That will be for the Seanad itself. It is only a question when we have the Bill before us. I am anxious to consult the convenience of the members of the Seanad as far as possible, and if the Bill would be ready, whether it would suit the convenience of the members to consider it at four o'clock. Then we could make some progress with it.
Are you quite sure it will be here then?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I could not undertake anything in that matter.
As Senator Douglas has said, we will in all probability meet next week, and might I suggest that if we do meet next week that it is not very easy for Senators who have other engagements here in the city, to get out of these engagements at such short notice, and for that reason I suggest that it would be more convenient if we did adjourn now until next week.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
My sole and only purpose in view is to consult the convenience of the greater number. What I feel is that if we do meet next week, probably, say, on Wednesday, it is extremely likely that the whole proceedings would be over in an hour. It is not conducive to the dignity of the House that we should be having these separate sittings and that they should be of a short and brief nature. The only thing now left over is this Railways (Directorate) Bill, 1924, and the outstanding question between the two Chambers in the matter of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill. If we call a meeting of the Seanad for next week, we will be bringing a number of persons from different parts of the country, and probably occupy their time for two hours.
If it is a question of dignity, I would like to point out that it is not very dignified to take a Bill from the Dáil quite hot.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
We had that before from the Dáil and it was suggested that it was red-hot.
I do not think, if we were to judge by the precedent, that the Dáil will finish at all in two hours with this Bill.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Then if we were to meet at four o'clock and if we do not get the Bill then from the Dáil, we could adjourn. But if the Bill is there it will be for the Seanad entirely to say: "We cannot go into this thing now." We can then adjourn.
Why not ask the Seanad now?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I was suggesting to the Seanad to adjourn until four o'clock. If that does not meet with the wishes of the Seanad, then it is for them to make whatever suggestion they wish.
I move that we meet next Wednesday.
I second that.
I propose that we adjourn until four o'clock.
I second that.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Let me understand where we are. I think Senator MacLysaght has proposed and Senator Bennett has seconded that we adjourn until Wednesday next.
It is proposed that if we adjourn until four o'clock that we will then suspend the Standing Orders and take that Railways (Directorate) Bill through all its stages.
In answer to Senator Douglas, I would say that as far as I am concerned, I am not going to facilitate the passage of the Railways (Directorate) Bill through all its stages to-day, and I think that there are other Senators who will take a similar attitude.
If the Bill were ready, we could take one stage of it this afternoon.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
We could not take even one stage of it without the consent of the Seanad, and, probably, in view of the interest the Bill has aroused in certain quarters, it would be better for us to adjourn it until next Wednesday. Is it the understanding that we are to adjourn until Wednesday? I do not want the Seanad to be left under any mistake about it. Is it the understanding that the Seanad will dispose of the Bill on Wednesday?
I do not think any undertaking of that kind could be given. If the Seanad decides to carry the Bill over the Recess it has a right to do so. It has only been brought on at the last moment, and why should we make special arrangements in this particular Bill to rush it through at one sitting? I would be opposed to giving any guarantee.
Let us meet early on Wednesday and then we can hear Senator O'Farrell at great length.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
If we meet at 11 o'clock on Wednesday it might suit.
Eleven o'clock would not suit a good many trains.
Even twelve o'clock is very early for people who have other engagements.
Unless for a very good reason to the contrary, we should keep to three o'clock. Again and again, I have heard expressions from Senators who did not happen to be present when the hour of meeting was changed to an earlier hour, and they very strongly dissented from the change. They expect that we should not depart from the three o'clock hour except for very strong and specific reasons.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Senators have often complained to me about the hours. Some of them say that if we met at twelve o'clock they could get away earlier. If we meet at twelve o'clock on Wednesday we can finish all the business. However, it is a matter entirely for the Seanad.
I withdraw my amendment.
Motion—"That the Seanad do adjourn until Wednesday, the 17th December, at 3 o'clock, p.m."—put and agreed to.
The Seanad adjourned at 1.30 p.m.