I move the Second Reading of this Bill. I would direct the attention of the Dáil to the last two lines of Article 39 of the Constitution which states that a Bill having been initiated in Seanad Eireann and passed by the Seanad, shall be introduced into the Dáil but that if rejected by Dáil Eireann it shall not be introduced again in the same Session but the Dáil may reconsider it on its own motion. I think it was explained at the Joint Committee, which considered this amongst other matters, that that was an unnecessary restriction and served no useful purpose. The only purpose which it could be said to serve would be to deal with the abuses of Bills—that is to say if a Bill came down from the Seanad and were rejected here and were brought on again in a month's time, again rejected and brought on again in another month's time. That is very unlikely. This Bill deals with the recommendation of the Joint Committees. It has for its object the removal from Article 39 of the Constitution of the provisions which prohibit any Bill initiated in Seanad Eireann and rejected by Dáil Eireann, being introduced again in the same Session. It may be that a measure initiated in the Seanad and sent to the Dáil might be rejected by the Dáil. A reason might arise for its re-introduction. I presume it is to deal with such a situation that the Committee made such a recommendation.
Money Resolution—Industrial and Commercial Property (Protection) (Amendment) Bill, 1929. - Constitution (Amendment No. 14) Bill, 1928—Second Stage.
I think there is not likely to be a strong objection from our side to the deletion of that sentence. The possibility, of course, is admitted that such action, as was indicated by the President, might occur—that the Seanad might for factious purposes send down a Bill which had been rejected before. I agree with the President that that is not likely, and we do not propose to oppose the Bill.
Question—"That the Bill be read a Second Time"—put and agreed to.
Committee Stage ordered for Friday, 15th March.
- Money Resolution—Industrial and Commercial Property (Protection) (Amendment) Bill, 1929. - Destructive Insects and Pests Bill, 1929—Final Stages.
- Ar ais chuig clár ábhair
- Money Resolution—Industrial and Commercial Property (Protection) (Amendment) Bill, 1929. - Constitution (Amendment No. 15) Bill, 1928—Second Stage.