I move the Second Reading of this Bill which is "entitled an Act to amend the Charter under which the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland is incorporated and the statutory enactments regulating that Corporation and its Bank, to confer further and other Powers on the said Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, and for other purposes connected with the said Corporation and Bank."
Private Business. - Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929—Second Stage.
I rise to oppose.
Cathaoirleach
As this Bill is opposed, I fix the first day on which the Seanad meets after the Easter Recess for the taking of the Second Stage of it.
On a point of procedure, I would like to know if the position is this: that the promoters, or someone acting on their behalf, make a case for the Second Reading of the Bill?
Cathaoirleach
The Bill will be discussed on the first day that the Seanad meets after the Easter adjournment, and anyone who desires to do so can speak for or against the Bill on that day.
The position with regard to a Private Bill, as I understand it, is that the Vice-Chairman of the Seanad acts on behalf of the promoters. They pay a fee. The Vice-Chairman can explain, but not express his private opinion on the matter at all. The Bill, if it passes the Second Stage in the Seanad, goes to a Joint Committee of the Dáil and Seanad, provided, of course, that the Dáil gives its assent. Counsel are heard before the Joint Committee in support of the Bill, as well as on behalf of anyone who has petitioned against it. If the Joint Committee consider that the case for the Bill has been proved, then the Bill comes back to this House. If they consider that the Preamble of the Bill has not been proved, then, unless the Bill is moved in this House, it goes no further.
I presume that copies of the Bill can be had on application?
Cathaoirleach
Yes, on application to the Examiner of Private Bills.
Bill ordered for Second Stage on the first day the Seanad meets.