It has been arranged that the Constitution (Amendment No. 19) Bill be taken as the first item of public business to-morrow.
Private Business. - Order of Business.
Cathaoirleach
Is it proposed to take Item No. 7—Local Government (Extension of Franchise) Bill—before that?
Cathaoirleach
Yes.
In the event of Item No. 7 on the Order Paper not being reached to-night and the Constitution (Amendment No. 19) Bill being taken to-morrow, it should be borne in mind that the Franchise Bill requires very careful and possibly lengthy consideration. It would be undesirable if the Franchise Bill were to be taken either at a late hour to-morrow night after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill has been disposed of or on Friday morning when there may be a comparatively meagre attendance. I suggest that if we do not deal with the Franchise Bill to-night, we should adjourn it until next week. It is a measure of serious importance and requires adequate consideration.
I should like to support the view of Senator Milroy. To my mind, this Bill for the extension of the franchise is one of the most important measures that have come before the House during my term here. It is a Bill that affects every individual in this House and it should receive ample consideration. Every member should have a fair opportunity of having his say on the Bill. As Senators know, a Bill taken late on Thursday evening does not get the consideration necessary. Surely a Bill taken on Friday will not get due consideration, especially when the Order Paper is changed and one Bill taken in place of another. To my mind, the Franchise Bill is more important than the Bill for the amendment of the Constitution. I hope the House will agree that ample time be given to discuss this very important measure. If it is not taken in its proper turn to-morrow, it should be allowed to stand over until next week.
Since I became a member of the Seanad, it has been the practice to facilitate the Government in regard to the order of business. I do not think that there was very much difficulty in doing that in the past. I am quite sure that the point made by Senator Milroy can be met and that no difficulty will arise if he will use his influence to secure that those with whom he is usually associated be present to-morrow night or on Friday. I do not think that there will be any difficulty in having a House sufficient to carry on the business.
It is not a question of trying to withhold facilities from the Government. It is a question of the importance of this Bill. Senator Johnson over-estimates my influence with any section of this House. I am afraid I should find it difficult to persuade even a member of the Labour Party to be present if there was any other business to prevent him from coming here. We know from experience what the attendance is like on Fridays. I think it is only reasonable to ask for an adjournment in the case of this Bill if it cannot be taken in its proper order. There is no great urgency in having the Bill passed within a week or two.
Cathaoirleach
A difficulty has arisen by reason of the fact that we met on only one day last week. I think that it is reasonable that this Bill which, I believe, the country regards as of first-class importance, should receive adequate consideration in this House. Senator Milroy is, I think, right in suggesting that the Bill would not be likely to receive proper discussion on a Friday morning. If we do not reach the Bill this evening, I think that the House should agree that it be taken as first business next Wednesday.
Is there anything wrong with the arrangement made——
Cathaoirleach
We cannot discuss the arrangement made. What has been done is done. We are only considering now when we shall deal with this Bill. I do not think that anybody can object to its being postponed until next Wednesday.
Mr. Robinson
It was agreed tentatively between the Clerk and myself that the President would come here to-morrow immediately after private business and deal with Items 7 and 8 on the Order Paper. Would not one Bill follow the other immediately?
Cathaoirleach
I cannot foretell how long a Bill will occupy on Second Reading. That will depend on the amount of interest taken in the Bill. It might take two days.
As there is a large accumulation of business, could we not meet on Tuesday and get over the difficulty in that way?
The important thing is that this Bill—the Local Government (Extension of Franchise) Bill—should appear first on the Order Paper on the day for which it is fixed.
Cathaoirleach
Is it agreed to meet next Tuesday?
Why not next Wednesday?
Cathaoirleach
We have a great deal of business to do.
We shall have the Finance Bill next week.
Cathaoirleach
That is one reason why we should meet.
The Land Bill, I understand, will not get a Second Reading in the other House until the 13th of this month. The Committee Stage is not to be taken until the 25th, so that there will be ample time between now and the 25th July to discuss any Bills that may come before us.
Cathaoirleach
I am very doubtful of that. We have a tremendous accumulation of business, and I think it would be desirable to meet on Tuesday of next week and to take as the first business the Local Government (Extension of Franchise) Bill.
Agreed.