Before the suspension of the Standing Orders is moved in order to take the final stages I would like to draw attention to the fact that certain Senators took an interest in the various stages of the Bill. They are not here at the moment, and possibly they might like to make some observations before the Bill would be finally passed. Before the adjournment last night, I think the understanding was that the first thing we would take up to-day was the Committee Stage of the Land Bill. Perhaps for the reasons I have stated it might be well to defer the Report Stage, and so afford an opportunity for discussion.
SEANAD RESUMES. - BILL REPORTED.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
I have no objection whatever, but I would like to emphasise that the position of the various matters on the Orders of the Day should not be taken as conclusive as to the sequence in which they would be taken. I considered it was advisable to get done with matters that did not appear to be controversial.
On the last occasion the Minister for Local Government, who is not here, promised to explain one particular matter regarding the absence of any maximum figure that might be spent in connection with any election. That was one of the matters on which we desired information. It is quite obvious there is not any maximum fixed. We had hoped to prepare an amendment or amendments to cover the point, but owing to the tremendous business during the last few days and the long hours of sitting, nobody has had time to consider the matter. As this is an urgent measure I frankly cannot see that it will be possible to amend it now, and get the amendments considered in time by the Dáil. This is the one serious flaw in it, and unless we could get general agreement as to the nature of the amendment to be introduced, I hardly think it desirable to hold up the Bill on this point alone.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
A good deal of attention was drawn to that point, which is a serious one. In view of that, I think it is safer to postpone the Report Stage until later in the day, so that any Senator who wishes may have an amendment prepared for submission.