Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1935

Vol. 20 No. 16

Local Authorities (Mutual Assurance) Bill, 1935—Report and Final Stage.

Donnchadha O h-Ealuighthe

Tairgim an leasú atá im'ainm ar an bPáipéar:—

Section 2. After the word "committee" in line 24 to insert the words "as also the Dublin Port and Docks Board."

The Dublin Port and Docks Board is an important Board, and is anxious to be recognised as a board that can avail of this legislation. Senator Foran has an amendment on the Order Paper which covers practically the same ground as mine. I do not think that any words are needed from me to recommend the amendment to the House, and I hope Senators will deal with it on its merits.

Mr. O'Neill

I second.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health (Dr. Ward)

The Bill before the House is intended to serve two purposes: one, to bring Vocational Education Committees within the definition of a local authority, and the other to enable the Minister to bring in any local body, authority or board within the definition. When the Bill becomes law, the Minister will have power to do what Senator Healy has in mind. He will be in a position to include, as a local authority, if representations are made to him, and it is considered desirable to do so for the purposes of the measure, the body that the Senator has in mind. Perhaps Senator Healy did not advert to that. I think the fact that the Minister will have the power to do that should be sufficient to meet the point. It would not be desirable to select one particular harbour board and leave out all the others. If the principle is to be applied at all, I think it should be applied uniformly. Presumably, what I have said will also meet Senator Foran's amendment.

Mr. Healy

I realise the importance of the point the Parliamentary Secretary has made about singling out one particular board as against another. The Dublin Port and Docks Board is a very important board. but, in view of what the Parliamentary Secretary has said, I think there can be no objection to my withdrawing the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr. Foran

In view of the statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary, I do not think there is any need for me to move the amendment standing on the Order Paper in my name. We have been assured by the Parliamentary Secretary that, should the need arise later, there will be power to include the people that I have in mind.

Amendment No. 2 not moved.

Question—"That the Bill be received for final consideration"—put and agreed to.

Question—"That the Bill do now pass"—put and agreed to.