I beg to move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Public Charitable Hospitals (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 1931—Second Stage.
I beg to second.
I wish to throw out the suggestion that in view of the fact that the House is apparently quite satisfied to take this kind of Bill as a matter of course, we might all make suggestions and bring forward Bills extending the provisions of this sweepstakes system to different kinds of charities. Unless somebody is going to give us some explanation as to why the Principal Act should be extended to cover one class of organisation and another class of organisation, I assume that we are prepared to extend ad libitum.
With reference to what Senator Johnson has said about the extension of the sweepstakes, I would like to see some of the revenue devoted to the welfare of the poor persons in the country who have to be treated in hospitals. Most of those people suffer great hardships. In order to have treatment they may have to go to Dublin, and that means great expense. If there is to be any extension of the sweepstakes I would like to see the funds utilised in that direction.
Question agreed to. Committee Stage fixed for Thursday, 10th December.
The Seanad adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until Thursday, 10th December, at 3 p.m.