Order of Business.

The President

We propose to take the following on the Order Paper: Nos. 4, 8, 11 and 12. As to Item No. 7 of the Estimates—Old Age Pensions —it will not be taken to-day.

With regard to the Land Bill, which we had hoped would be circulated on Saturday, it was not found possible to circulate it until to-day. The date, Tuesday, that is this day week, for the Second Reading was fixed in the belief that there would be two further days for the examination of the Bill. If there is to be any objection to taking it, as arranged, that is taking it on this day week, we would be prepared to put it back to Thursday, but we would have to have the Committee Stage on the 25th. On our side we are quite prepared to take the Second Stage this day week, but if the Opposition thinks that does not afford sufficient time, owing to the fact that the Bill was only circulated to-day, then, we are prepared to give two extra days and not take it until Thursday week.

Mr. Cosgrave

The Bill was only circulated this morning as against the promise that it would be circulated on Saturday morning. That means three days lost.

The President

Including a dies non.

Mr. Cosgrave

Sunday is described as a dies non, but it very often gives a very much longer period for the examination of a measure like this than either a Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Thursday. It was in the light of having the Bill in our hands during the week-end that Tuesday was agreed to. To cover this we are now only being allowed a single week-end.

As for taking the Committee Stage on the 25th, I do not think that sufficient time is being afforded in this case. This Bill requires more than a layman's examination. It requires thorough legal examination and report, and advice, in respect of such portions of it as may require amendments to be moved. While I would say that the Second Reading ought not to be taken before Thursday week, that day fortnight would be the earliest date, I think, that would be fair to take the Committee Stage.

The President

Our proposition is that we take the Second Reading on the 13th, that is Thursday week, and the Committee Stage on the 25th. That gives three clear weeks between now and the Committee Stage—nine days to the Second Reading and 12 days from that to the Committee Stage. We think that is reasonable. We would be prepared to sit on, and unless you sit through the whole summer you cannot get through the Government business necessary if you postpone it for another week, that is, if you postpone the Second Reading from next Tuesday to the following week.

Mr. Cosgrave

From the 13th to the 25th there are 12 clear days. Four days' notice of amendments is required. Taking the Second Reading on Tuesday week makes it necessary to hand in amendments on Friday or Saturday so that in essence there is only one week-end. It is really insufficient. If the Ministry wish to rush particular measures through this House, they have their majority. They are, apparently, determined on doing that. So far as sitting here is concerned, no objection has been made from this side and we shall be able to test the physique of the members of the Ministry in that connection, if it comes to a contest.

The President

If the Opposition desire a longer time for Committee Stage, I am quite prepared to take the Bill on Tuesday. From the point of view of the allocation of Parliamentary time, I think that that would be a better arrangement but we are keeping to the promise made. If the Second Reading were taken on Tuesday, that would leave a full fortnight before Committee Stage. As, however, Deputies might have a grievance if we proposed that, we are prepared to take the Second Reading on Thursday instead. It is for members to say whether they want the Second Reading on Tuesday or Thursday. If they would take my advice, they would take the longer time for Committee Stage. It is, however, for them to choose.

Mr. Cosgrave

We do not allow the Ministry, or any member of it, to put our minds into commission. We can make up our minds for ourselves. Neither do we want any attempt at patronage on the part of persons of whose competence in this matter and other matters we are good judges.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1933