I would like to know from you, sir, if there is any rule in this House with regard to the observance of Church holidays. As Senators are aware, Thursday next is a Church holiday. I presume the Seanad will meet on Wednesday. It would be well to know if the same rule will apply here which applies in the other House regarding Church holidays. Very important events often take place in the country on such holidays, so that it would be well if we knew if the Seanad is going to observe the same rule that the Dáil observes. Unless there is some very grave reason to the cotrary I think the Seanad should observe Church holidays. I would like to know the feeling of the House as to what is likely to occur in future.
Private Business. - The Seanad and Church Holidays.
Cathaoirleach
I am afraid there is nothing to guide us at the moment. We have met continuously, more or less, on Church holidays, but it will be for the House to decide on any particular occasion. If it was thought wise it could be so arranged that the House would not meet on Church holidays. At present the matter is optional, and the House decides for itself as each occasion arises.
Why not make the same rule here as that made in the other House?
Cathaoirleach
I will look into the matter to see what can be done. I am advised by the Clerk that the only Bill that this House is likely to have from the Government next week is the Public Services (Temporary Economies) Bill, so that probably we will not require to meet on Thursday next in any case.
I am very glad of that.
Cathaoirleach
That is as far as I can go at the moment.