The Seanad is aware that the Emergency Powers Act lapses automatically on September 2nd, and that it is necessary to have continuing legislation in order to preserve these powers for the Executive. The purpose of the present Bill is simply to continue the powers for a further period of a year, until September 2nd, 1945. There are also, of course, the usual sections in the Bill, that there can be an earlier period, if Parliament or the Government so determines, when the powers can be withdrawn. I do not think it is necessary to give any explanation of this Bill because the subject is familiar to all Senators.
Public Business. - Emergency Powers (Continuance) Bill, 1944—Second and Subsequent Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time".
I do not intend to make any exposition on this Bill now. I only wish to guard myself against the suggestion that by remaining silent I might necessarily be taken as approving of it. I recognise that at the passing of the original Act there was a good case to be made for powers almost as stringent as those enacted, and I also recognise that there is a good and valid case to be made for continuing many of the powers, especially in regard to the Department of Supplies, with facilities for dealing with matters swiftly instead of by what, I suppose, is a rather complicated process of legislation. These are facilities which I can conceive it to be still absolutely necessary that the Minister for Supplies should have. But I think the time has come when the original Emergency Powers Act should be revised and a good deal of its stringency modified, and that we should have a new Act more suited to present conditions, which, this House will appreciate, are not the conditions which prevailed when we all expected that, at any moment, we might be flung into the dangers of war.
I do not think it is necessary for me to reply to the statement of Senator Kingsmill Moore. I think it would be a great mistake to imagine that everything is just as normal as was suggested by the Senator. It is far from it. If these powers were withdrawn for a short time we would begin to find out that it is not the Department of Supplies alone that is concerned but every other Department as well. As a matter of fact, looking to the future, I think we are going to face, from certain points of view, probably what is the most critical period. It would be the greatest mistake to imagine that we have come out of the wood. That would be a great mistake. All our actions should be taken, and all preparations should be made on the basis that we have a very severe period still to pass through. If we were called upon to do so I think we could make just as good a case for the continuance of these powers as was made when the first Bill was passed. There is a change in the weight in certain directions, but the difficulties, taking them all in all, and the position are just as serious, and will continue to be so until this war is definitely ended, and perhaps will continue for a further period—perhaps more so. Therefore, I think it would be a great mistake not to ask for these powers. That is the reason I am asking for them.
Question put and agreed to.
Agreed, to take the remaining stages now.
Bill passed through Committee without amendment.
Bill received for final consideration and passed.
Ordered: That the Bill be returned to the Dáil.