This Bill was postponed on Friday last at the request of Deputy Bryan Cooper to see what might be done in cases like this, where there is a possible conflict between the two Houses, and, at least, to let the conflict be properly defined. I think in this case the dispute is not so much between the two Houses as really over the matters actually in dispute. A Bill was introduced here of a non-contentious character, which was necessary to enable us to put more effective machinery into operation in dealing with one of the most important services in the State, namely, the franchise, and for the purpose of fixing the date for the compilation of the register. When that Bill went to the Seanad an alteration was made in the Local Government franchise, which, of course, changed the character of the Bill altogether. I think I sent along to the Clerk a copy of a resolution which, I would suggest to the Dáil, it would be desirable to have considered and, if agreed upon, passed and have a copy sent to the Seanad. In effect it comes to this, that a Committee of the Dáil should be appointed to confer with a Committee of the Seanad on this matter. I have very little doubt, if such a Committee meets a Committee of the Seanad, this matter will be satisfactorily settled and the possibility of such conflict in the future will not easily arise, but if it does, machinery will be put in motion which will solve the problem. I accordingly move the resolution.
DAIL IN COMMITTEE. - LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTORS REGISTRATION BILL, 1923—FROM THE SEANAD.
I beg to second the motion.
ACTING-CHAIRMAN
The resolution reads as follows:—"That arising out of the amendment made by the Seanad to the Local Government Electors Registration Bill, 1923, it is desirable that a Joint Committee of the Dáil and Seanad be appointed to consider procedure in regard to amendments to Bills made by the Seanad; that five members of the Dáil, nominated by the Committee of Selection, be appointed to serve on such Joint Committee; that the Seanad be requested to appoint an equal number of members of the Seanad to serve on such Committee; and that a message be sent to the Seanad accordingly."
Mr. O'CONNELL
Am I to take it that this Committee is to deal with the general question of amendments or with this particular question?
ACTING-CHAIRMAN
The wording is "procedure in regard to amendments." I take it that the Committee will not be debarred in considering this amendment.