On behalf of Senator Gogarty, I move:—
"That the Standing Orders be suspended for the purpose of enabling the remaining stages of the Central Fund Bill, 1929, to be taken to-day."
Public Business. - Suspension of Standing Orders.
I second.
I oppose this motion. No reason has been shown for it by either the proposer or the seconder, and I see no necessity for it. Other questions have been raised on the final stage, and perhaps some other Ministers would like to be here. I do not think there is any necessity whatever for rushing this Bill this afternoon, and I hope the House will take that view and reject this motion. There is no justification for it.
These motions are being constantly put forward and they are constantly objected to, but still they are carried. The question that the Minister has been speaking about, de-rating, is a very important one. It cannot be very well debated straight away. I suggest that this motion should not be accepted, as we have no business to do here to-morrow, except to deal with these things. We want time to consider them. Large masses of figures are placed before the House and require consideration.
I suggested to Senator Gogarty to put down this motion, simply for this reason, that it would be very inconvenient if the Bill were not disposed of this week. Provided it is disposed of this week, it does not matter to me.
I am against this motion. As a matter of fact, Senator Gogarty, who should have been here to propose this motion, spoke against the Bill on the principal question which was discussed.
I think everything that could be said about the Bill has been said already, and as we have no power over it, what is the necessity of bringing Senators here to-morrow?
I would like to say that Senator Counihan is speaking for himself when he says that there is nothing further to be said on this Bill.
Cathaoirleach
The House will decide the question.
I take it that the House will sit to-morrow, unless we decide to sit until eight or nine o'clock to-night. There is another item on the Order Paper.
Cathaoirleach
There is a motion by Senator Byrne. But I do not think that that will take very long.
It is a very important question that may take a long time to discuss.
The Minister said he would be satisfied if the Bill was finished this week. I am sure that can be done.
Under those circumstances, and with the consent of the House, I ask leave to withdraw the motion.
Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
Committee Stage ordered for Thursday, March 21.