I propose Deputy John Esmonde.
Election of Chairman
Election of Chairman.
Deputy Burke
I second that proposal.
Question: "That Deputy Esmonde be the Chairman of the Committee", put and agreed to.
Deputy Esmonde took the Chair accordingly.
Notice of Amendments:
Next Meeting of Committee.
Chairman
The first matter we have to deal with now is the question of amendments.
On that point, as Members are aware a bye-election campaign is in progress at present. I know bye-elections should not intrude on the business of the House but the fact that it is being held will create a difficulty in relation to the submission of amendments. I should like to study the Bill in greater detail.
Chairman
The other Committee set up by the House set 12 noon on 12th November as the final date for amendments. The Chairman has discretion to allow amendments on shorter notice. What I am concerned with here is that the Minister will be able to deal with amendments adequately because there is a danger in that one cannot backtrack on sections when they are passed. I would suggest that anyone who has amendments direct their attention to the earlier parts of the Bill. Deputies will agree that it is a Bill we all want to get on with because there is a demand for it. Therefore, I suggest 11th November.
That is the day before the bye-election count.
Chairman
Yes, but 12th November was fixed by the other Committee. It is only for getting in the amendments.
Why not 12th November?
Chairman
If you like. What about a date to get down to working on the Committee Stage of the Bill? I suggest 18th November.
The other Committee fixed a fortnight after the final date for amendments, November 26th.
It is a long time since the Bill had a Second Reading and the issues in it are pretty well known at this stage. From my point of view November 18th would be all right because that would give me enough time to consider the amendments.
I do not mind.
Will that be a Dáil sitting day?
Chairman
Yes.
Can we take it that there will be some consultation with the Whips on this matter or is it the intention of the Committee to fix a date now?
Chairman
It would be better to fix the date and set the time at 4.15 p.m.
The Committee adjourned at 7.55 p.m. until 4.15 p.m. on Tuesday, 18th November, 1975.