May I ask a question with regard to the position of business and the possibility of fixing a date for the adjournment of this House for the Summer Recess? This is a matter that has been raised every year at this time. Last year, there were some very strong expressions of opinion from all sides of the House that there should be some kind of a clear understanding as to the business which is likely to reach us, and that some date should be fixed for the adjournment. It was urged that something should be done to avoid the situation that arose in previous years when a number of important measures, requiring careful consideration, were given to us in the middle or end of August. That is a period when a number of Senators are away, and when it is extremely difficult to get a proper examination of important Bills. I do not know, Sir, whether you are in a position to give us any information on this matter.
Proposed Inquiry Into Land Settlement. - Business of the Seanad.
Cathaoirleach
I have made some inquiries and possibly will be making more. So far as I understand it the position at present is this: the question of the adjournment of the Dáil for the Summer Recess was mentioned in that House to-day, and I have obtained a typed copy of the verbatim report dealing with the matter. The Vice-President stated that the Dáil would adjourn to-morrow until this day fortnight, that is, 18th of July. In addition to the business at present before the Dáil, some Bills of major importance were mentioned which the Government desire should be passed into law before both Houses rise.
Does that mean new Bills to be introduced?
Cathaoirleach
I gather that is the wish of the Government. These Bills are the Shannon Fisheries Bill, the Creamery Bill, the Debentures Bill and the Dairy Produce Bill. A Bill dealing with cattle was also spoken of as being one which the Government wish to be passed into law before the summer, and the Vice-President stated that there are other Bills besides these which are not yet introduced in the Dáil but which it is necessary to pass before the adjournment. I should imagine that upon that basis the Dáil will hardly rise for the summer until about Friday, 17th August; and the Seanad would presumably take three weeks or a month longer.
The Minister for Defence suggested the third week of September to-day.
Cathaoirleach
It is a matter for the House as a whole to decide what it will do in these circumstances. Perhaps the various Parties and groups would consult together and decide the matter next Wednesday. No notice of motion is necessary.
In connection with the adjournment it seems to me that the Seanad will have to fix the time in advance and allow a certain amount of business to stand over for two or three weeks.
The Seanad adjourned at 6.50 p.m. until Wednesday, 11th July at 3 p.m.