In connection with this Bill, I have a brief statement to make arising out of a question that was addressed to me on Friday last by Deputy Thrift. This Private Bill, after passing the Seanad, was not proceeded with in the Dáil, as the Government undertook to introduce an alternative measure embodying the principle aimed at in the Private Bill. Considerable alterations in the provisions of the Private Bill were found to be necessary and to involve complete redrafting. The consent of the Executive Council was secured thereto on the 2nd June, 1934, but in view of the somewhat complicated nature of the administrative problems to be dealt with under the Bill it was found desirable to supply the Parliamentary draftsman with the headings of legislation in the form of a draft Bill. This draft Bill was finally sent to the Parliamentary draftsman on the 12th January, 1935, and several inquiries since made show that he has been unable to deal with the matter owing to priority being claimed for other legislation.
Public Business. - Slaughter of Animals Bill, 1933 [Seanad]—Second Stage.
Can the Vice-President give no indication whatever as to the date on which this measure may see the light of day?
At this stage I cannot say.