I wish to draw the attention of the House to a misunderstanding which, I think, arose at the beginning of the sitting to-day with a view to having it cleared up. The Minister for Justice, I understand, did not desire the postponement of his two Bills. So far as he is concerned, he would prefer to go on with them, but that is a matter for the House. The Minister wanted to convey that he was prepared to postpone them if the House thought fit. In these circumstances, I think we should take these Bills in the order in which they appear on the paper. We have a very large Agenda, and several measures for Second Reading. The progress has been very slow to-day. The Bill before us is a very important Bill, but an undertaking was given to the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, and it is rendered practically imperative by reason of structural alterations, that the Seanad would conclude in three weeks. If we are to get near to keeping that undertaking, it will be necessary, I suggest, that we adjourn about 7 o'clock for dinner, resume at 8 o'clock and sit again to-morrow. Of course it is for the House to decide, but I think that is the only way that we could get through these measures.
Business of the Seanad.
My explanation to the Minister for Justice does not quite agree with what the Acting-Chairman has stated. It was that the Cathaoirleach was satisfied that it was the practically unanimous desire of the House that these two Bills should be postponed. I understood that Senators, who voted against the postponement at the time, are now prepared to vote for the postponement of those Bills. The Acting-Chairman seemed to convey that, perhaps, we might go on with these Bills, but the understanding I came to, when the Cathaoirleach was in the Chair, was that in practically no circumstances would they be proceeded with because the House did not wish to go on.
It is hardly necessary to point out that the decision of the House was given because it was the desire of the Minister.
Acting-Chairman
I agree that it was at the request of the Minister that we agreed to the postponement.
Arising out of the statements of the Acting-Chairman, I may say that some of the members of the House, interested in these two particular Bills, had a consultation with every section of the House and almost every person in the House, on this matter. We have come to a unanimous agreement that, notwithstanding any misunderstanding that may have arisen with regard to the statement made by the Cathaoirleach here to-day, in the best interests of all concerned, these two Bills should remain over until after the adjournment.
I was one person who objected to the Bills being postponed. I understand that, included in a new arrangement, is a proposal to set up a committee of the House to consider these two Bills.
Acting-Chairman
That might only complicate matters for the present. We can go into all that after we have come to a decision as to the taking or otherwise of the Bills now.
It is quite evident the House does not understand these Bills. It has not shown any appreciation of the fact that it has understood them, and regards them as of vital importance. In order that they may be understood, and that a committee of the Seanad may have an opportunity of considering them, I am very willing to have the Bills postponed.
The matter raised by Senator Miss Browne will not arise until the Bills come up for Second Reading.
Acting-Chairman
That is so. With regard to the further point of adjourning now and reassembling at 8.15, I think that is the only way to get through the business. Is it the opinion of the House that we should adjourn now for dinner and meet at 8.15?
Agreed.
The Seanad adjourned at 7.10 p.m. and reassembled at 8.15 p.m.