(Cavan): Might I say that the Minister displays considerable courage, even cheek, in introducing another Electoral Bill in his own name?
Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1968: First Stage.
Leave granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to fix the number of members of Dáil Éireann and to revise their constituencies and to amend the law relating to the election of such members.
—(Minister for Local Government).
: I want to know, Sir, in what capacity is Deputy Fitzpatrick speaking? Is he speaking as opposed to this Bill or is he speaking as taking objection to it. This is very important.
(Cavan): May I ask a question?
(Interruptions.)
: I am making a point of order.
: Order coming from the Deputy!
: I want to know, Sir, in what capacity Deputy Fitzpatrick is speaking. Is he speaking as opposed to the Bill or is he speaking as taking objection to it? This is very important. Yes, it is because——
(Cavan): I am speaking as a man who successfully opposed the last Electoral Bill.
: The Deputy is speaking as a newcomer to Irish politics, one who has come into this House on the record of better men.
: We cannot have a debate on this.
(Interruptions.)
: A gentleman, Deputy L'Estrange, made that remark outside this House. I would like to collect £500 from you. If the Opposition will restrain themselves I will put to you a point of order, Sir. I am asking, Sir, in what capacity is Deputy Fitzpatrick speaking.
: You missed the bus last week.
: Make that remark outside this House.
(Cavan): Wait until we see the papers.
: When are we going to be allowed to proceed? When can we continue?
(Cavan): May I ask a question through you?
: There is a point of order.
: I submit that I am in possession.
: Not of the people's confidence.
: Is Deputy Fitzpatrick opposing the introduction of this Bill?
(Cavan): Might I ask a question? When will the Bill be circulated?
: The Second Stage is being taken on Tuesday, 12th November.
: It will be circulated on Wednesday, 6th November, I hope.
(Cavan): Does the Bill contain any provision for a genuine Constituency Commission?
: The Commission has been rejected by the Deputies.
: And blackguarded as well.
: That does not arise.
(Cavan): A bogus Commission has been rejected. Is there any provision for a genuine Commission? The people have rejected the bogus one.
: They do not trust you. That is the answer.
: You burned your fingers.
: Question No. 7.
(Interruptions.)
Second Stage ordered for Tuesday, 12th November, 1968.