When is the Second Stage to be taken?
Education (Provision of Meals) (Amendment) Bill, 1930—First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a "Bill entitled an Act to enable town commissioners to provide meals for school-children."—(Mr. Shaw.)
Bill read a First Time.
I ask that the Second Stage be taken to-morrow. In view of the Dáil adjourning this week, I would ask the House to facilitate the passing of this Bill into law before Christmas. I ask the Minister for Finance to say that he will introduce the necessary financial resolution.
In the first place, let us dispose of the question as to when the Second Stage is to be taken.
Will the Bill be circulated before to-morrow?
Yes.
I do not think it is reasonable at all that Bills should be rushed through in this manner. If Deputy Shaw was in a hurry to show what he thinks of the poor people I would remind him that the winter began a month ago and that this Bill could be introduced a month ago, especially, as Deputy Shaw now tells us, from inside information, I presume, that the House is to adjourn this week. It is not right to shove Bills of this kind through as if they were turned out by a sausage machine while you wait. If the Deputy wants to turn the business of this House into a farce there may be lots of people who would agree with him and who would like to make it a laughing stock even in the Twenty-six Counties. I do not think this is a reasonable procedure.
Will Deputy Shaw agree to vote against the adjournment?
I thought this was a non-controversial matter, and I am surprised anyone should object to it.
Can we not meet next week?
You are very anxious to meet next week.
I am asking is Deputy Shaw willing to meet next week.
The Cumann na nGaedheal Party are anxious to have all the holidays possible.
Deputies opposite are a very hardworking lot.
Can we not treat this Bill as we did the other, and make an order for Second Reading for to-morrow, and if Deputies object then Deputy Shaw will not proceed.
Second Stage ordered for to-morrow.