I have been asked by the Minister for External Affairs to state that he wishes to be heard here in opposition to this Bill. Pressure of business in the Dáil will prevent his attendance to-day and he would like this matter to be adjourned until such time as he is able to attend here.
Heller Citizenship Bill, 1931.
I would like to draw the attention of Senators to the first paragraph of the Bill as presented. It reads:—
Whereas Stephen Heller, of 10 Camomile Street, London, E.C.3, was born at Vienna, in Austria, on 16th day of May, 1895, and is a national of Czecho-Slovakia.
Cathaoirleach
The Second Reading of the Bill has not been moved. Senator Milroy asks for an adjournment of this particular Bill until such time as the Minister for External Affairs is able to attend. If the House is agreeable, I will defer consideration of this matter until the Minister is able to be present. If the House does not so desire, then it will be necessary to consider the Bill to-day.
It just occurs to me that the first paragraph of the Bill makes the whole thing impossible, and therefore there is no need to trouble the Minister.
This is the first occasion upon which we have had a Bill of this kind presented to us and I think it is desirable that we should have some opportunity of hearing the Minister for External Affairs. We should also take into consideration that there may be other people anxious to bring forward measures of a similar kind.
Cathaoirleach
Senator Johnson, do you agree to this matter being postponed?
I am quite agreeable.
Ordered: that the Second Stage be postponed to a date to be fixed by the Cathaoirleach.