On the Second Reading of this Bill, I had a doubt whether sub-section (3) of Section 12 legally carried out what was intended. In winding up this Company, certain payments have to be made by the guaranteeing areas of Wicklow and Dublin. Since 1930, portion of the guaranteeing area of the County of Dublin has been taken into the County Borough of Dublin. What this sub-section did was to make all moneys payable by the Corporation in respect of the guaranteeing area that was inside the Borough of Dublin, payable out of the municipal rate. I had a doubt as to whether that was legally proper, because the ordinary meaning of the term "municipal rate" is a rate which is spread all over the area at the same figure. Thanks to the courtesy of the Minister, I had an interview with the Parliamentary draftsman, and he pointed out to me that "municipal rate" in the Greater Dublin Act of 1930 has a peculiar meaning. It has not got the general meaning of "municipal rate" at all. It is a rate which can be employed for practically any purpose, and applotted to any district. Therefore, the sub-section is perfectly right.
Public Business - Dublin and Blessington Steam Tramway (Abandonment) Bill, 1932—Committee.
Sections 1 to 11 agreed to.
Question proposed—"That Section 12 stand part of the Bill."
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 13 to 16, schedules and Title agreed to.
Bill reported to the House without amendment.
Fourth Stage fixed for Wednesday, 13th July.
The Seanad adjourned at 6 p.m. until Wednesday, 13th July, at 3 p.m.