I move Motion No. 3:—
That pursuant to sub-section 2º of Section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Eireann concurs with the signature by the President as soon as may be of the Social Welfare Bill, 1949.
Social Welfare Bill, 1949—Motion for Earlier Signature.
I do not like to keep the Seanad at this late hour, but I want to register a protest against what I think is a misuse of the Constitution. All that the passing of this motion means is that the President may sign this Bill and that therefore it will become law five days earlier than otherwise might happen. No explanation has been given as to the grave necessity for this Bill becoming law five days earlier than it would in normal course. There may be a reason, but it has not been given. I do not want to institute a debate on it, but I do want to register a protest against what I think is an altogether improper use of the Constitution in invoking certain sections of the Constitution to have this Bill, for which, as far as I can see, there is no urgent necessity, five days earlier. All that it means is that the President will be authorised to sign it and it may become law five days earlier than it would if this motion were not passed. No reason has been given and I do not think any adequate reason can be given for the earlier signature requested in the motion.
I would offer the Senator an explanation which would satisfy him.
The explanation is not to me but to the House, whose consent is asked.
The position is that an election of a new committee of management is due to take place on the 15th of this month. Normally the machine should be going into action for that election. We have provided in the Bill that the existing committee of management will continue in office until the society is transferred. In the meantime this other machine is being geared up and will go into action. We want the President's signature to the Bill so that it may become law and so that we may intimate to the electors that this election will not take place. We could take a chance and do that as both Houses have passed the Bill, but it would conform more correctly to normal procedure if we were to get the President's signature before that intimation was conveyed to the electors. If the Senator offers very strong objection, I will not press the matter, but there is that convenience and there is avoidance of expense in not letting the machine go into action when, in fact, it cannot do any useful work.
The explanation given by the Minister entirely satisfies me. I was not aware that an election under existing law must take place on the 15th of this month. In view of the fact that this is the 7th, the Bill could not be signed until, at the very earliest, the 12th. The interval would be very short. Therefore, the reason given is entirely sound. May I say that I was not aware of that reason and I wanted some explanation as to the necessity for putting down the motion?
Motion put and agreed to.
The Seanad adjourned at 9.45 p.m.sine die.