Vol. 2 No. 5
What does Senator Sir John Kane wish with regard to the motion in his name that stands on the Orders of the Day:—
"That the Seanad, being of the opinion that an approved system of public accountancy would lead to more effective control of public expenditure, requests the Government to appoint a Committee of experts to examine and report upon the matter."
I am in the hands of the Seanad. It can be taken now, but I will take some time over it.
I understand that possibly the Minister for Finance might like to be present.
I would like to have him here.
I hope that when the Seanad takes this motion it will spend a couple of hours on it, or otherwise postpone it, or fix it for a date on which it will be taken. It is a most important matter to consider, and it should be done seriously. I think it would give a bad impression outside to discuss it for a short time and then adjourn.
That is entirely a matter for the Seanad. It would be the only business for to-morrow.
Could it be taken to-morrow? Could it be put on the Orders of the Day at an early stage for our next meeting?
If the Seanad so resolves, we could take it as first business.
I propose that Senator Sir John Keane's motion be the first business at the next meeting of the Seanad.
I beg to second.
Is it not the ordinary course that any business not finished at one meeting comes on first at the next meeting?
One of our proposed Standing Orders is to that effect, and as they have now been adopted it would come on first.
Surely that is not the case with all business left over.
There is no other business but this. The Seanad can by resolution decide that it will be the first business of the next meeting.
Could the Minister for Finance be asked to be present?
I do not like that, as it is rather exposing ourselves to a refusal. I think the proper course is to let him know that such a motion will be discussed.
