I do not know whether this would be the right time to move an amendment to the effect that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.
THE RIVER OWENMORE DRAINAGE BILL, 1925.—COMMITTEE.
CATHAOIRLEACH
If you do not move it before going into Committee you will be late.
Then I move: "That this Bill be referred to a Select Committee." The Bill, on the face of it, does not really convey the information which, in my opinion, is necessary to enable us to judge whether it is desirable for us to pass it in its present form or not. I would not be justified in voting in favour of this Bill without a little more information concerning it. I think it is eminently a case in which it should be referred to a Select Committee and thrashed out, seeing that a very large sum of public money is going to be involved, before we take a vote upon it.
I endorse what Senator Barrington has said in regard to the need for information in connection with this Bill. There is a very large sum of money to be voted out of the public purse for the completion of the scheme. The information given in the Bill is very meagre, especially in regard to the clause authorising the Minister for Finance to pay £41,000.
Are we discussing the Bill, or whether it should be referred to a Select Committee?
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think the Senator is giving reasons why it should be referred to a Select Committee.
I think that under Standing Orders a motion of that kind cannot be discussed.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think it is stated that it can be moved without notice. I do not think that there is any Standing Order which prevents discussion on such a motion.
Standing Order No. 58.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Yes; but it seems to be a little in conflict with another Standing Order. This says: "When a Bill shall have passed its Second Stage it shall be referred to the Seanad sitting in Committee, in the absence of any motion that it shall be referred to a Select Committee. Any such motion may be moved without notice and shall be decided without debate." I will therefore put Senator Barrington's motion now.
On a show of hands, the voting was equal.
CATHAOIRLEACH
That is a tie. I really think, as it is not an urgent Bill, that it is desirable it should go to Select Committee. In some respects it is a technical Bill, and a large number of amendments have been handed in this morning, and I do not think it would be reasonable to take them to-day. I was going to suggest as there was such a short notice of the amendments, that they should be deferred to the Report Stage.
Referring this matter to a Committee means prolonging the period of unemployment within the area.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not see why referring it to Select Committee is delaying it. I do not think the House would consent to going into the Committee Stage to-day, and taking up all of Senator Linehan's amendments.
Were Senator Linehan's amendments in in time?
CATHAOIRLEACH
Unfortunately there is no provision in our Standing Orders that amendments should be handed in before the Committee Stage. I think there ought to be some such provision.
I think we should have some reasons as to why this Bill should be referred to a Select Committee.
If this Bill is to be referred to a Select Committee may I ask that the Committee sit as soon as possible?
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think the Senator should nominate the Committee now.
We have appointed a Selection Committee, and the appointment rests with them.
CATHAOIRLEACH
The Committee meet to-morrow, and they can take this up as the first business. I think the Senator will have to propose the number of the Committee, the number to form a quorum, and the chairman.
I understand that it is sufficient that the names of the Committee be left to the Selection Committee.
CATHAOIRLEACH
In regard to a Select Committee you have to propose the number to constitute the Committee, and the quorum, but you have not to give the names of those who will form the Committee. Standing Order 18 states that the motion may be moved without notice fixing the number and quorum, and appointing the chairman of a Select Committee which has passed its second stage. The members of the Committee apparently can be selected by the Selection Committee.
I beg to propose the appointment of a Select Committee of seven with Mr. Linehan as Chairman, the other members of the Committee to be nominated by the Selection Committee, and four to form a quorum.
Motion put and declared carried.
I would suggest that there should be some provision to enable me to attend the Select Committee.
It is the custom.
It may be as regards Ministers, but I am not one.
If it is necessary to add that to the motion I would be very pleased to do so.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not think it is necessary. I am sure the Committee would be very glad to see Professor O'Sullivan there.