The following Message has been received from the Dáil:—
"Dáil Eireann has disagreed to the amendments made by Seanad Eireann to the Electoral (Revision of Constituencies) Bill, 1934."
Public Business. - Electoral (Revision of Constituencies) Bill, 1934—Message from the Dáil.
Cathaoirleach
Standing Order 105 states:—
In case of disagreement between the Seanad and the Dáil in regard to any Bill, the Seanad may, on motion made with or without notice, propose a conference between members representing both Houses for the purpose of discussing the points of disagreement. Any motion for a conference shall specify the purpose for which the conference is desired and the number of representatives of the Seanad proposed to be appointed.
I think that the disagreement in regard to this Bill is a proper subject for conference. The Schedule inserted by the Seanad is a very good Schedule. However, amendments might possibly be agreed to in conference which would leave the principle of the Schedule which the House accepted intact and which might make the Schedule acceptable to the Dáil. In view of that, I propose:
"That it is desirable that a conference be held between members representing the Seanad and the Dáil for the purpose of considering the amendments made by the Seanad to the Electoral (Revision of Constituencies) Bill, 1934, and that the number of Senators be five."
I second the motion. On the only occasion on which this procedure was adopted, it was most effective. There were differences between the two Houses; a joint committee was nominated and met, and in five minutes the differences were settled. I hope that, if we adopt the same procedure in this case, we shall have the same happy conclusion.
Would a proposal that the Seanad do not insist on its amendments to this Bill be regarded as an amendment to this motion?
Cathaoirleach
I should be prepared to accept that as an amendment to the motion.
Then, I propose that the Seanad do not insist on its amendments to this Bill.
I second that. These amendments were considered following the passing of the Bill in Dáil Eireann. I think that this is more a matter for the Dáil than for this House and, if the figures are examined, it will be found that the amendments sent up by the Seanad were rejected by a very considerable majority in the other House. It is rather an unusual course to have a joint committee of this nature and, for that reason, I question whether it is wise for the Seanad to interfere in the matter, which is largely one for the Dáil.
Amendment put.
The Seanad divided: Tá, 15; Níl, 24.
Tá
- Comyn, Michael, K.C.
- Connolly, Joseph.
- Farren, Thomas.
- Foran, Thomas.
- Johnson, Thomas.
- Keyes, Raphael P.
- Linehan, Thomas.
- MacEllin, Seán E.
- MacKean, James.
- Moore, Colonel.
- O'Neill, L.
- Phaoraigh, Siobhán Bean an.
- Quirke, William.
- Robinson, David L.
- Robinson, Séumas.
Níl
- Bagwell, John.
- Barniville, Dr. Henry L.
- Bigger, Sir Edward Coey.
- Blythe, Ernest.
- Browne, Miss Kathleen.
- Costello, Mrs.
- Counihan, John C.
- Dillon, James.
- Gogarty, Dr. O. St. J.
- Guinness, Henry S.
- Hickie, Major-General Sir William.
- Jameson, Right Hon. Andrew.
- Keane, Sir John.
- Kennedy, Cornelius.
- Reeks, The McGillycuddy of the.
- MacLoughlin, John.
- Milroy, Seán.
- Moran, James.
- O'Connor, Joseph.
- O'Hanlon, M.F.
- O'Rourke, Brian.
- Parkinson, James J.
- Staines, Michael.
- Toal, Thomas.
Tellers:—Tá: Senators S. Robinson and Keyes; Níl: Senators Blythe and Guinness.
Amendment declared lost.
Cathaoirleach
The other amendments—2, 3 and 4—are consequential. They stand together and, as a result of the decision just taken, they go.
I now formally move:—
That it is desirable that a conference be held between members representing the Seanad and the Dáil for the purpose of considering the amendments made by the Seanad to the Electoral (Revision of Constituencies) Bill, 1934, with which the Dáil has disagreed and upon which the Seanad has insisted:
That five Senators represent the Seanad at the proposed conference:
That a Message be sent to the Dáil acquainting that House accordingly and requesting its concurrence.
I second.
Motion put and declared carried.