There is a matter I want to announce in connection with the Report of the Joint Committee on Private Bill Procedure which was set down for to-day, in accordance with an order made on Wednesday. A question was raised as to the matter being a joint one with the Seanad and that we ought to pursue the same procedure as the Seanad. In the Seanad, owing to a similar feeling, it was decided that the Joint Committee would be asked to meet again and consider any amendments which Senators might propose. I would suggest to Deputies, therefore, if they have any amendments to the proposed Standing Orders, that they should send them in, if possible, before Monday evening, to the Clerk, and these amendments will be submitted to the meeting of the Joint Committee on Private Bill Procedure, which we propose to have on Wednesday next. I would also like to add, if Deputies are very interested in particular amendments, that they might, if they think fit, appear before the Committee and put the case for their amendments before it. The time and place for the meeting of the Joint Committee will be communicated to Deputies who send in amendments, if the amendments are sent in sufficient time. In that way we may have an amended report which would meet with general approval.
COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BILL PROCEDURE.
Arising out of your statement, I notice that the Seanad fixed Monday. This being Friday, Monday would be rather short notice for members of the Dáil. Would it be possible to receive amendments until Tuesday mid-day, leaving the whole of the afternoon for preparation?
Yes, if Deputies will take it as notice now that the Committee is meeting on Wednesday, at 11.30, here. The orders have been in possession of Deputies all this week.
Deputy Baxter has given notice that he will raise on the adjournment the question of political prisoners on hunger-strike.