It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 3 and 4. In regard to Nos. 3 and 4, I regret that it will not be possible for the Minister for Education to remain except for a limited period as he has engagements after 4.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
I should like to ask the Leader of the House when we can expect the Mines and Quarries Bill to be taken? It was originally ordered for 10th March, to suit the Minister.
Next sitting day.
Surely this scheme whereby the Seanad sits after the Dáil has been dissolved is part of a scheme for the Seanad which was invented by our friends opposite. The Seanad is their brain child. They will not amend it, although amendments have been suggested. They will not allow the House to function properly. Surely they are treating the Seanad with contempt. The Minister for Industry and Commerce is in Dublin today; he has been opening and shutting various places for the past few days in Dublin. It is not fair to this House that it should be treated in this manner.
The Minister for Industry and Commerce has other engagements and is unable to attend the House. With regard to the Senator's other remarks, I would remind him that when we fixed a date, we were not aware of the big events impending.
The scheme under which the Seanad works was invented by the Fianna Fáil Party——
This matter may not be debated now.
Does the Senator want a discussion on the Seanad?
The Seanad meets in the absence of the Dáil when the Dáil has been dissolved. That is known to every Minister at all times and their not coming here is treating the House with contempt. Thus, the House is ineffective.
This is only window-dressing, and the Senator knows it.