Before proceeding with the business of the House, Sir, might it not be as well if the Seanad decided now whether it will sit to-morrow or adjourn till Friday?
Public Business. - Business of Seanad.
It is within the competence of the House to decide what the House desires to do.
I did not think, Sir, that it would be necessary to raise this question again. This question of sitting on a Catholic holiday has arisen on several occasions in this House previously. Apart from that, we have a precedent in the other House. I hope that Senators will realise that to-morrow is an important Catholic holiday, and I think it is only right that this House should observe such holidays. After all, we are not here very often, and, if we meet to-morrow, it will look as if we only came up for the purpose of sitting on a Catholic holiday. I suggest, Sir, that some definite rule should be made with regard to such matters. It has been decided definitely by the other House that they shall not sit on Catholic holidays, and I do not think it is right to call Senators in here on a day when Deputies do not have to sit in the other House. I sincerely hope, Sir, that we will have a ruling made on this matter.
The House has heard the views of the two Senators, and I am sure that the House will accord with the view that we should not meet on Thursday. The business that we have to-day is neither too strenuous nor too long, and I think that we could deal next week with the unfinished business. I think that the House will agree that the Bills before us to-day could be just as easily dealt with and expedited next week. I suggest that, when we adjourn to-night, we should arrange to meet next Wednesday.
Agreed that the House meet next Wednesday, 5th June, 1935.