It is proposed to take to-day the Superannuation and Pensions Bill, 1929 (from the Seanad); the Housing Bill, 1929 (from the Seanad); my own motion in regard to disorderly conduct to the Chair; the Juries (Protection) Bill, 1929 (Second Stage); the Seanad By-Elections Bill, 1929 (Second Stage); and Estimates for Public Services.
Private Business. - Arrangement of Business.
Is it the intention to fix a time for the consideration of No. 4 (Motion by Deputies de Valera and Lemass) now?
Not now.
What reason has the President for not dealing with No. 4 as arranged?
I did not anticipate that the Juries (Protection) Bill would have taken over a day to consider. Then the Minister for Industry and Commerce is away, and I thought he would be back to-day.
There was nothing contingent in the arrangement with regard to No. 4. It was definitely fixed for this day. I am not sure whether it was an order of the House.
No; it was a private arrangement.
It was mentioned to Deputies that it would not be taken to-day.
We were told that at 12 o'clock to-day. There was no option; we were simply informed of the fact.
I think it is only right to say that we did not get a firm objection.
I took it as a fait accompli. If I thought there was any good in objecting I would have done so. It is extraordinary that the President thought the Juries (Protection) Bill would be passed through in an hour. He must have thought he was in a totally different House from that which he is really in. He will hear more about it too, and I will refresh his memory on a few points.
Is it intended that No. 4 will be taken in the manner in which it is set out on the Order Paper on a particular day and in Government time?
Yes, and it will be finished in a day, either on Wednesday or Thursday.
Assuming No. 4 cannot be taken, is it intended to take Private Deputies' business to-morrow?
No.
Then Deputy O'Hanlon's motion will not be taken to-morrow?
No. Public business will continue to-morrow after 12 o'clock.