From the latest information we have received regarding the course of business in the Dáil we gather that we will receive from the Dáil this evening the Defence Forces Bill and the Agriculture (Amendment) Bill; we received last night the Workmen's Compensation Bill, all of which, we understand, are required to be completed before the adjournment for the Christmas Recess. In the normal course none of these Bills could appear on the Order Paper until three days after their receipt from the Dáil but if the House is agreeable we could list them for a sitting to-morrow. The advantage of this course would be that we could take the Second Stages to-morrow and conclude the business next week. If the House be agreeable to that suggestion we would propose to meet on Tuesday of next week. Perhaps the House will now indicate whether they are agreeable to the course suggested.
Business of Seanad.
I have no objection to Bills being placed on the Order Paper, but I certainly have an objection to the rushing through of legislation at the end of the period, particularly in view of the fact that we had a long recess. While we on this side of the House are prepared to facilitate the passing into law of urgent Bills which it is necessary to pass before the 31st December, we certainly would not be in favour of going any further than that.
All we are asked in effect is that we should meet to-morrow to consider the Second Stage of certain Bills which should not be dealt with for three days ordinarily. If that does not satisfy the House, the House can consider to-morrow what it is going to do.
That is different from the statement read by the Cathaoirleach. If we are only asked to decide that the Bills should appear on the Order Paper and not decide about next week——
That is all.
I take it that the suggestion as amended by the remarks of Senator Hearne is agreed to and not the suggestion read out. The matter can be considered again to-morrow in the light of our efforts to-day.
We are taking certain Bills on the Second Stage to-morrow.
Agreed.