I propose Deputy Barry Desmond as Chairman.
Election of Chairman
Election of Chairman.
Question: "That Deputy Barry Desmond be the Chairman of the Committee", put and agreed to.
Deputy B. Desmond took the Chair accordingly.
Notice of Amendments:
Next Meeting of Committee.
Chairman
The fixing of the latest date for receiving amendments is our first consideration. We have to look at this carefully, (a) to give time for further amendments to come in and (b) we have to give time to the Department and the Minister to consider amendments.
I will have my amendments ready in two weeks. It should be explained that amendments that have been put by Deputy O'Connell were on the assumption that the Bill's Committee Stage would be taken in the Dáil. They, of course, will have to be re-submitted.
I will re-submit them.
Are there any limitations to the procedures—how quickly must we have our business finished?
Chairman
Our proceedings will be exactly like Committee Stage in the Dáil—we will continue until such time as we dispose of all sections.
Is it possible for us to invite interested parties?
Chairman
No. We are exactly the same as the Dáil. Would Thursday, 6th November, be a suitable final date for receipt of amendments?
I would suggest a fortnight.
Chairman
Wednesday, 12th November.
Is that the latest date?
Chairman
Yes, 12th November at 12 noon.
Does not the same procedure as is followed in the Dáil and Seanad apply here?
Chairman
We must get the Committee Stage under way. Could we fix our next meeting? Could we suggest Wednesday, 19th November, a week after the final date for the receipt of amendments?
I think we would need a little more time. I would have to consider Deputies' amendments and they would have to consider mine.
That is important.
In fixing the exact time and day of our meetings, could we liaise with the EEC Committee?
Chairman
We will indeed. We will have to ensure there is no clash.
There are always difficulties in determining priorities.
Chairman
We will meet on Dáil sitting days.
Can we fix the date of our next meeting?
Chairman
Yes. Would Wednesday, 26th November at 4.15 p.m. be agreeable?
Agreed.
The Committee adjourned at 4.10 p.m. until 4.15 p.m. on Wednesday, 26th November, 1975.