This is purely formal.
EXPIRING LAWS BILL, 1924.—FINAL STAGES.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Yes, that is so, it is purely formal.
On the Second Schedule I should like to ask a question. It refers to the last Bill mentioned in Part 2 of the Second Schedule. That is the Electricity Undertakings (Continuance of Charges) Act, 1924. In that case the whole Act is continued. Are those extra charges, or is it only continuing the charges that were passed at the time?
This Bill does nothing extra. It is the continuance of legislation and the rates or liability under the original Act.
The Bill passed through the Committee Stage without amendment.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I think this is a Bill that we might dispose of altogether now. It is purely formal.
I propose to suspend the Standing Orders to enable the Expiring Laws Bill, 1924, to be put through its concluding Stages.
I second that.
Question put, and agreed to.
Question proposed—"That the Bill be received for Report."
Would I be in order in moving an amendment now that the Army Act be added to this Schedule?
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not think any point would be raised against that, because you were taken a little bit by surprise in having the Bill go through so quickly. The Committee Stage would have been the proper place. I am sure the Seanad will allow you to move it now.
I beg to move that the Army Act be put into the Expiring Laws Bill, and that it be added, to the Schedule of that Bill.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Is not that a very big question to raise on a Bill that is non-contentious?
When the Army Act was passed it was rather rushed through on the understanding that many more of these Bills were to be introduced so as to give opportunities for fuller discussion. That has not been done. Since then, also, trouble in the Army has arisen, and I really do feel that it is necessary to give Parliament an opportunity of passing such criticisms as may be necessary from time to time, so that there may be no question whatsoever as to the supremacy of the Civil power in, the country. For that reason I beg to move that the Army Act be added to the Schedule of this Bill.
The Senator has raised a question of huge importance, and I do not know that even the Seanad, with its characteristic courage, would embark on a proceeding of this kind at such short notice. The Senator has raised a question that has brought about revolutions in many countries. He has raised possibly the most important question that could be raised if we were settled down and existing in normal conditions. I agree with the Senator. I hope he will return to the charge at his first available opportunity, and I promise him I will give him all the assistance I possibly can. Because, no doubt, many of the things now done would make our fathers turn in their graves. We are passing through a revolutionary period. In principle, I cordially agree with the Senator and I hope he will return to the charge at a more favourable time in the future, when I hope to be here to support him.
Perhaps if I informed the Seanad that a new Army Act must be introduced as soon as convenient, it would satisfy the Senator that this might meet the exact point he has in view.
In view of the expression of opinion from Senator Sir Thomas Esmonde and what the Minister has said, I beg to withdraw.
Question put and agreed to.
Question:—"That the Bill be received for Final Consideration and do now pass"—put and agreed to.