I think the Seanad will meet on Tuesday next to pass the Central Fund Bill, which I presume will be ready by that time. It must be passed by 31st March. As usual it is sent to us at the very last moment. If we do not pass it the whole financial machinery will be apparently hung up. As it has to be passed before the 31st March, it will necessitate the Seanad meeting on Tuesday. That will probably be about the only matter that we will have to discuss. I regret that I will have to convene the Seanad for such an awkward day, as I think it is a matter that will not take very long. It is a great mystery to me why we could not have this Central Fund Bill sent up in time to enable Senators to discuss it and give them an opportunity to do so. I have remonstrated about it over and over again, but we do not seem to gain anything. I was going to suggest to Senator Linehan that he should let this matter stand over generally.
BUSINESS OF THE SEANAD.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I agree.
There is no reason why the Central Fund Bill, which is merely a Vote on Account, could not be brought on. No special regulation is required.
CATHAOIRLEACH
The Bill will not be out of the Dáil before Friday.
The question is why it was not brought before the Dáil sooner so that we might have an opportunity of raising points. It is one of the few opportunities we have for raising points about the Government's administration, and at the last moment it is very difficult to do that effectively.
CATHAOIRLEACH
I think probably your view is shared by a great many other Senators. I do think, in view of the very few opportunities that this House has of discussing these general questions of finance, we ought on the occasion when we can legitimately do so, to have the fullest and fairest opportunity given. I think probably the Seanad would be well advised when it comes up on Tuesday next to pass some resolution of protest in regard to the way in which a Bill of this kind is hustled through.
Would it not be open to us to refuse to pass the Bill until the matter is fully debated, or to pass a resolution of that kind?
CATHAOIRLEACH
I do not think it would be wise to pass a resolution until you see the Bill.
If it is necessary that we should discuss the matter, why should we not discuss it before coming to a decision? There are some very big points involved.
CATHAOIRLEACH
If we do not pass it on Tuesday it cannot be passed at all.
Well, then I would not pass it.
CATHAOIRLEACH
That is rather a revolutionary proposal. However, we cannot say anything about it now as it is not before us. The motion of Senator Linehan is accepted and passed.