Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1923

Vol. 5 No. 23

THE POSTAL COMMISSION. - MINISTERS AND SECRETARIES BILL.

The PRESIDENT

I said a few words last evening with regard to the business we proposed to deal with. Apparently, I must have overlooked the fact that we were mid-way through a section in the Ministers and Secretaries Bill. I would ask the indulgence of the Dáil to take up that section and dispose of it, and then get on with the other business. I do not think it will take very long, but it would be more satisfactory to have the section dealt with than leaving it open for consideration at the next sitting.

It would depend altogether on the indulgence that is given by the Dáil. I addressed myself on this point last evening to Deputy Johnson, and I had no intention of misleading him. If he has no objection, and if the Dáil is agreeable, I think we might get along with that section.

Mr. JOHNSON

I see the point the President has made, and I have no objection to following the course he suggests. I am just reminded, however, that perhaps we should rather deal with the amendments to the section, leaving a final decision on the section until Deputies who have shown their interest in it are here. It occurs to me that possibly Deputies are not here who are interested in this section because of the understanding that this matter would not be dealt with until later. As they have no amendments down, we might deal with the amendments on the Paper and leave the final decision on the section itself over, unless, in the meantime, the Deputies concerned arrive.

Mr. GOREY

We have no objection to having the whole of the section dealt with.

The PRESIDENT

The Deputy who is absent who had an interest in this matter, and who had an amendment down, is Deputy Figgis. It is quite possible that he might return before we reach that stage.

Mr. JOHNSON

I do not press my point.

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

Would the Dáil agree to take up in Committee the amendments to Section 8 that have been left over, and when we come to put the section, decide then whether it would be better to take it in view of the Deputies then present?

Agreed.