Is it intended to take this as a Government measure?
Public Business. - Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill, 1929 (Seanad)—Second Stage.
Yes.
The Second Reading to be taken now.
Yes.
We have not seen the Bill yet.
Has it not been circulated?
Does the President know what is in the Bill?
Yes; I will explain. It is to substitute for the hours 2 to 5 for the opening of licensed premises in the City of Dublin on Sunday, 23rd June, the hours 4 to 7. If the Bill is to be effective it ought to be passed without delay. It refers to the one day, the 23rd June, and alters the opening hours of premises from 2 to 5 to 4 to 7. I think there is general agreement that on the occasion of a very important religious festival the licensed premises ought not to be open during the course of the religious ceremonies. It is anticipated that the ceremonies will have concluded before 4 o'clock. That is the hour that has been suggested as most suitable for the opening.
It has reference to one day only?
Yes.
Would the President consider the desirability of the same hours applying to other cities and towns in Ireland where similar celebrations will be held in the near future?
No.
It is expected in Cork City to celebrate this great event also, and similar facilities should be extended to the citizens of Cork. I would ask the President to take this into consideration.
Would the President say whether this was introduced at the request of those interested in this particular line of business, and would he inform us if all interests involved have been consulted?
I cannot say. The matter was mentioned to me by the Senator who introduced the Bill in the Senate. It was introduced by Senator Hooper, supported by Senators Dowdall and O'Hanlon. Senator Hooper is the only person with whom I have had a conversation on the matter, and I do not know what are the views of "the interests concerned," as the Deputy calls them.
I would like to support Deputy Anthony. I am afraid the Front Bench are thinking in terms of Dublin City and are turning this into a Dublin City Parliament.
I would remind the Deputy that there is the name of a Cork Senator to the Bill.
I would remind the President that he is elected for Cork City, and that he might want to be elected there again.
This is a Bill from the Senate. Under our Standing Orders when it comes from the Senate it is put down for Second Reading. The usual procedure is that the President or appropriate Minister states whether the Bill is being adopted as a Government measure. If it is, time is fixed for the Second Reading. In this particular case it is desired to take the Second Reading. The Bill has not been circulated, but Deputies have received this particular Bill from the Senate. The title is "An Act to Amend the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1927, in relation to the sale of intoxicating liquor in the Dublin Metropolitan area on Sunday, 23rd day of June, 1929." Therefore, it could not be amended to refer to any other area. Is there any objection to taking the Second Stage now?
Question—"That the Bill be read a Second Time"—put and agreed to.
I suggest we take all the stages to-day.
Could it be postponed until this evening? Some members want to look at it.
It could be taken before the Estimates or at 7 o'clock.