Vol. 12 No. 21
I beg formally to move the motion standing in my name:—
"That the Cobh (Queenstown) Gas Order, 1929, proposed to be made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce and laid in draft before the Seanad on the 5th day of July, 1929, under sub-section (4) of Section 10 of the Gas Regulation Act, 1920, be approved."
I feel it is absolutely necessary that we should have an explanation. This order is a document of twenty-three pages, and it proposes to re-enact, under different forms, a certain Act setting up the Cobh Gas Company, giving them certain rights and privileges. It is completely altering, as far as I can gather, the conditions under which this gas supply is continued. It seems to me when such an order is proposed to be made the people of Cobh should have the opportunity of making any objection or criticism they may have to make. They should, at least, be made aware of the fact that the order is about to be made. The Seanad, before it approves of such an order, should give the people of Cobh the opportunity of declaring themselves on the matter. This is very like the passing of a Private Bill. We have laid down very strict regulations and rules regarding the passage of Private Bills. I do not think it is necessary we should go through all that procedure, but there is something involved in an order which takes twenty-three pages of closely printed matter to explain itself. I do not think the Seanad should be asked to pass this without giving an opportunity to the people concerned to express themselves, and to Senators to look over it and see if there is anything serious involved. We should not be asked to approve of this to-day, and to act in a perfunctory fashion in connection with the matter. I suggest that the motion should be left over for consideration until Wednesday next.
I agree with Senator Johnson that this should be left over until Wednesday so as to give the people of Cobh and members of the Seanad the opportunity of examining it.
We have had it for five days.
This is the first day I have seen it.
Would it make any difference if we discussed this matter next Wednesday instead of to-day?
I did not anticipate this acute request coming from Senator Johnson for information. He is the one member of the Seanad who least needs information, as he has already made himself acquainted with the order. I think the matter could be disposed of to-night, but if the House wishes I do not oppose an adjournment until next Wednesday.
I move that the matter be postponed until Wednesday.
I second.
