Before the Seanad adjourns, there are one or two matters to which I wish to call attention, not with a view to lecturing the Seanad but merely to make suggestions similar to those which I have made before. I think that we are not utilising the brains of the Seanad to the extent to which we could or to which the country would reasonably expect us. I have already suggested that it would be very useful, in my opinion, to the interests of the Free State if Senators who are interested in particular subjects would introduce Bills dealing with them, not necessarily in the hope that they would be passed but in the hope of calling public attention and, perhaps, also calling the attention of the Government to them. There is another very wide field which I do not think we are properly cultivating. That is, the inherent power of the Seanad to discuss, by way of resolution, pressing matters of public importance such as economic depression, unemployment, over-taxation, and agricultural depression. There are several matters of that kind in which many Senators here are quite qualified to give a lead to public opinion and, at any rate, to impress the public with the conviction that, so far as we can, we are anxious for a full and a free discussion on these matters. I throw that out for the consideration of the Seanad because, I think, while we are accomplishing the business sent to us from the other House, may I say it, with dignity and despatch, at the same time our sittings are not long, are not protracted, and they are not frequent, and I do not think that we are impressing on the Free State the convictions that we are doing as much as we could to help in the reconstruction and reorganisation of the State. I hope that the Senators will not think that I am lecturing them, but I am suggesting what is in my own mind and what has been brought to my notice by different Senators.
BUSINESS OF THE SEANAD.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I would like to support the very excellent remarks of our Chairman with regard to our procedure here. It is quite cheerful to find oneself a glutton for work, as that is a frame of mind which, I think, might be cultivated to a greater extent in this country. There are many matters which the Seanad could most usefully discuss and thus possibly give assistance to the administration of the country. I, for one, have refrained, and I have no doubt that many other Senators have also refrained, from drawing attention to various matters of public importance, because we felt that our young Government had quite enough work to do and we did not like to overload it with additional burdens. There is one question I would like to raise and that is the question of our local administration. It is a matter in which I was concerned for many years and in which I have always taken very great interest. I would like to give notice that at our next meeting, or whenever it is convenient to discuss the matter, I will draw attention to the question of local administration and move a resolution accordingly, if that is the correct form.
CATHAOIRLEACH
You will have a long interval to prepare the notice. I think you ought also incorporate a resolution with it, as I think it would give more point to your purpose.
I am prepared to do that, and I will give notice in the ordinary way.