Vol. 86 No. 3
I move:
That Seanad Éireann concurs with Dáil Éireann in its Resolution communicated to Seanad Éireann on the 23rd day of February, 1977, that it is expedient that the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Bill, 1976, be referred to the Standing Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills."
I would like if the Parliamentary Secretary would outline the purpose of the motion.
The purpose of the motion is to give effect to the procedure necessary to deal with the Bill on Committee Stage. The Bill, as the House is aware, is a consolidation Bill of all the social welfare legislation stretching back over the years. The number of Bills that will be consolidated is in excess of 60 dating back to 1908. There is also the question of regulations. There are about 100 which will also be consolidated consequent on the passage of this Bill. The purpose of the motion is to give effect to the setting up of the Standing Joint Committee which will deal with the Committee Stage of the Bill under the Standing Orders of the House. There is, as the House is aware, a standing committee of both Houses and I understand that under the rules of the House this standing committee may be added to by three Members for the purpose of dealing with the Committee Stage of the Bill.
I think the House will agree that the need and desirability for consolidation of the social welfare code is long overdue. Difficulties have been experienced not only by professional social workers and people within the Department of Social Welfare but also by very many people dealing, working and acting on behalf of both statutory and voluntary bodies throughout the country who are interested in the field of social welfare and who play a very important role in conveying to the public what their rights are under existing legislation.
I am sure the Seanad will agree that this is a very considerable advance in the field of social welfare, one for which there have been many requests from both sides of both Houses and from many organisations outside. I would hope and indeed, I expect that we will deal with the Bill as quickly as possible. If there are any questions from any Senator I will try to deal with them.
