It is proposed to take business in the following order: Nos. 1, 2 and 3, No. 19, Vote 39 (Resumed), 17, 18 and No. 20 (Resumed). The Adoption Bill No. 3 will be taken at the conclusion of No. 18. If it is not reached by 1 p.m., business will be interrupted for the Adoption Bill and the Order will be resumed on its completion.
Order of Business.
I received the Adoption Bill in my post this morning. Having read it, it seems to be an attempt to allay the concern caused by the recent Supreme Court decision, and only that. In relation to the statement of the Minister for Justice last night about the amendment of the Constitution, I take it that it will require a constitutional Bill in itself. Is it the intention to introduce that Bill before the recess?
If it is ready, yes, but it is a question of drafting it. The intention is to proceed with the constitutional amendment as soon as it is possible to get the Bill drafted. Because of the possibility that the 1952 Act is unconstitutional, it is felt that it should be put beyond any doubt. For that reason, it is proposed to introduce a constitutional amendment. If it is ready, it will be introduced before the recess, if not, it will be introduced immediately after it.