Vol. 178 No. 18
I move:
That pursuant to subsection 2 of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Council of Europe Development Bank Bill 2004 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her.
As a general principle, Senators do not like earlier signature motions. I ask the Minister of State, therefore, to indicate the reason in this case.
The reason is simple and was alluded to in the debate, namely, that the terms and conditions pertaining to this opportunity to give full membership of the Council of Europe Development Bank expire on 30 November. Consequently, unless we have the judicial and legislative process completed, it will not be possible for Ireland to partake, contribute to and have our representative on the bank.
When it is proposed to sit again?
At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 30 November 2004.
