I suggest that we should consider the second item on the agenda, which is the question of the latest date for receiving amendments.
CIVIL LIABILITY BILL, 1960
Notice of Amendments.
May I say one thing on that. I do not know what is the usual procedure but, in this type of Bill, I would not like to see a date fixed beyond which amendments may not be put in. I think it should be understood that, as we go through the Bill, other amendments may occur to members of the Committee.
Do we require anything more than a suggestion that as many amendments as possible should be tabled before a certain date, or is even that necessary ?
That is hardly necessary. Our object is to complete consideration of the Bill as quickly as possible.
I will arrange to circulate the official amendments to this Bill at the earliest possible moment. I can, however, visualise it happening that, as a result of discussions at the Committee, members, or even myself, would find it necessary to suggest further amendments.
It is agreed then that we will go ahead without fixing any particular date for receipt of amendments.
Will we have the benefit of seeing memoranda from interested bodies and may we ask bodies who have not submitted memoranda so to do if we desire it and if it is agreeable ? Will this Bill increase insurance premiums ? I think Deputy McGilligan said it should not but it probably would.
I understood that Deputy Sweetman and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach met and discussed this matter. On the following morning this took place in the Dáil in Volume 189, Column 170 :—
It is understood that any memorandum made available to the Department of Justice by interested bodies will be made available to this Committee ? I understand that that has been agreed.
I understood that that was referable to insurance companies but no doubt any others can be made available also.
That was the particular one, but if there are any others, they should be made available. If the Committee are going to do the job, they ought to do it properly."
I think that is clear.
Next Meeting of Committee.
Now we must deal with the date of the next meeting.
Has a suggestion been made ?
I would hope that if we had some discussion on the contents of the Bill we could have amendments for the next meeting.
It seems that 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 13th June, 1961, would be the most convenient time for our next meeting.
In order to facilitate the Committee I would like Mr. Roger Hayes of my Department to be present at the meetings of the Committee.
There will be no objection to that.
The Committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 13th June, 1961.