As regards the motion standing in the name of Senator Sir John Keane, which proposes to call the attention of the Executive Council to the alteration of certain forms contained in the schedule of the Country Boards of Health Accounts Order, and which has appeared on the Order Paper on several occasions, it does not appear that we will be able to get any further with it to-day. It has been adjourned several times for the convenience of the Minister for Local Government, who expressed his anxiety to be here and to make a statement in reply. I have given him various opportunities of doing so, but unfortunately he seems to be engaged always. I suppose we had better adjourn it until to-morrow, as the Minister is not likely to be able to attend to-day. We cannot, however, be perpetually adjourning it. I shall have a message sent to the Minister informing him that the Seanad would be glad if he could find it convenient to be here to-morrow.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES (COMBINED PURCHASING) BILL. - BOARDS OF HEALTH ACCOUNTS ORDER.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
We should make it clear that we will take it to-morrow, and that, if necessary, we will pass it, because it seems a farce to have it appearing on the Order Paper every day we meet here.
I will undertake to convey the wishes of the Seanad in this matter to the Minister. I would just like to say that in this matter the Minister is not the last word as to his engagements. His Estimates were to be taken in the Dáil to-day.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I quite recognise that, and I have done everything possible to meet the convenience of the Minister. After all, there is a limit. It is becoming, as Senator Douglas said, really farcical the way this motion is being treated.
That is the weakness of human institutions. His absence from the Dáil would be resented when his Estimates were on. I will see if it be possible for him to be here to-morrow.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
It is the desire of the Seanad to have this motion disposed of to-morrow.
I will convey that to the Minister.
Consideration of motion postponed until to-morrow (Thursday).