With regard to the course of business, the four Ministers concerned with the Government Bills before us have intimated to me that it will not be possible for them to attend here this afternoon, so that I think it would be better, if the Seanad agrees, to adjourn consideration of these Bills until this day week. I think, in view of the political situation, we had better adjourn them. It is proposed to take one Bill, the Shop Hours Bill, and possibly Senator MacEllin's motion, although I think it would really be better to have the Minister present while that is being discussed. However, I will leave that matter to the discretion of the Senator.
Business Postponed.
Cathaoirleach
I am anxious to have this motion taken to-day.
I entirely disagree with this procedure. I think we have certain obligations to fulfil here, apart altogether from any consideration of the other House. I think we should carry on with the business we can do, irrespective of what is taking place in the other House.
Cathaoirleach
That is the idea, but I tried to make clear that in the case of some of these Bills the presence of the Ministers concerned is essential for their satisfactory consideration. For that reason I think it would be better not to take them until this day week.
I think it would be too perfunctory to adjourn because there is some commotion in the other House.
Cathaoirleach
But we are not adjourning; we intend to do the business that it is possible to carry through. I will take the Bills seriatim. The first is the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Bill, 1929. I would suggest that this Bill be adjourned for a week. As you are aware, the Minister for Agriculture was absent through illness the last day, and he is absent to-day owing to political exigencies. I think that his presence would be essential. The Military Service Pensions Bill, 1929, is more or less in the same position. In connection with the State Lands (Workhouses) Bill 1929, there are some very important amendments by Senator Toal which would require careful consideration, and I think the Minister should be here when they are being discussed. In the case of the Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Bill, 1929, there is the question of "in camera" to be discussed, and I think it would be also better to adjourn that.
Further consideration of the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Bill, 1929; the Military Service Pensions Bill, 1929; the State Lands (Workhouses) Bill, 1929, and the Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Bill, 1929, adjourned to Wednesday, 9th April.