Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 1942—Proposed Conference.

The following Message was received from Seanad Eireann:—

Seanad Eireann has disagreed to the amendments made by Dáil Eireann to amendments Nos. 1 and 2 made by Seanad Eireann to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 1942.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Boland)

I move:—

That it is desirable that a conference be held between members of the Dáil and the Seanad upon amendments Nos. 1 and 2 made by the Seanad to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 1942, to which the Dáil made amendments with which the Seanad has disagreed; that five Deputies represent the Dáil at the proposed conference.

I should like the permission of the Dáil to alter the number of Deputies from five to seven, as I think it would not be possible to get representation for all the Parties in the Dáil if we confined ourselves to five Deputies.

Permission given to alter motion accordingly.

General Mulcahy

When is it anticipated that the conference will sit?

Mr. Boland

That will be a matter for arrangement. The Seanad will appoint seven Senators and we will have to arrange that.

Mr. Norton

When is the Seanad likely to select its representatives?

Mr. Boland

I cannot say. We shall have to try to arrange that. I am given to understand that there is a possibility of agreement on the amendments.

An Ceann Comhairle

I understand that the Seanad will meet next week.

Mr. Boland

I understand that there is a possibility of the Seanad meeting next week.

General Mulcahy

Is there a possibility then that the amendments passed by the Dáil will be agreed to by the Seanad?

Mr. Boland

So I am informed.

Mr. Norton

Is there any possibility that the opposite will happen?

Mr. Boland

The alternative is that I will put down a motion that the Bill be deemed to have passed both Houses; that will mean, I understand, the unamended Bill. I do not think that is likely to happen.

An Ceann Comhairle

Twere better not to prejudice the matter.

General Mulcahy

We want to know what exactly we are doing.

Mr. Boland

I do not mean that as a threat.

Motion, as amended, put and agreed to.