I propose that the consideration of the Local Government (Dublin) Bill be not interrupted at 12 o'clock to-day for the purpose of taking Private Deputies' business.
Order of Business.
We object to the taking of Private Deputies' time to-day. We agreed to the proposal to take Private Deputies' time on Wednesday for the purpose of dealing with the Local Government (Dublin) Bill, but it was not clear then that the discussion would take the course it has taken. I think it is quite obvious that the discussion on that Bill will not terminate to-day whether or not Private Deputies' time is taken.
Oh, I hope so.
It seems to me, from the number of Deputies who have intimated that they are anxious to speak upon this Bill, that there is very little prospect of the discussion being terminated to-day. In that case the proposal to take Private Deputies' time to-day is unnecessary.
I gave extra time last week for the consideration of Private Deputies' business, and if I were pressed perhaps I would be able to afford a little time next week or the week after for Private Deputies. Generally speaking there has been a generous dispensation with regard to Private Deputies, and they at least ought to facilitate us in connection with important public business.
The President is making a virtue of necessity. He gave us additional time last week because there was no Government business.
I may suggest to the Deputy that on more than one occasion, when Private Deputies' business was facilitated, Deputies appeared to have been taken by surprise. I think on this occasion some consideration should be given to my request.
I might mention that we did not come here last week to do private business but to do Government business. The Government, having brought Deputies from all over the country, had not any Government business for them to do. I suppose the Government were too pushed trying to reconcile differences in their own Party.
We have no occasion to do that.
Did the President put these matters before the Party?
He did not.
The Party, being a sensible Party, never have the disputes that distinguish the Party opposite.
Ordered: That the consideration of the Local Government (Dublin) Bill, 1929, be not interrupted for the taking of Private Deputies' business.