Before I report from the Joint Committee on Standing Orders (Private Business) as to the nomination of Senators to serve on the Joint Committee on the Bank of Ireland Bill, I wish, in pursuance of the general powers of supervision over Private Bills in this House entrusted to me, to inform the House that, in my opinion, the Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929, which is an Unopposed Bill (in the sense that no Petitions have been lodged against it), should be treated as an Opposed Bill so that a verbatim report of the evidence before the Joint Committee on the Bill may be taken and be made available. If the Seanad makes the Order I suggest, it will be possible for a member of either House, on application, to get a copy of the report of the speeches and evidence made and taken before the Joint Committee on the Bill, and in that way to ascertain the scope and purpose of the Bill as outlined by counsel for the promoters, and also to follow up the proceedings of the Committee in reference to the Bill. If the Seanad does not make the Order, there will be no verbatim report of the proceedings, and beyond a formal report from the Committee, no further information will be available for the members.
Private Business. - Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929.
Leas-Chathaoirleach
I move that such an Order be made.
Ordered: That the Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929, an Unopposed Bill, be treated as an Opposed Bill.