Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 1939

Vol. 23 No. 11

Order of Business

Cathaoirleach

With regard to items Nos. 1 and 2 on to-day's Order Paper, the subject matters in these motions could, of course, also be raised relevantly on No. 3, that is, on the general debate on the Adjournment, but I understand that the Senators in whose names the motions stand would prefer to have the matters segregated in separate debates. We will therefore take item No. 1 first, and when that is disposed of item No. 2.

The general debate on matters arising out of the emergency will then take place on item No. 3.

Mr. Douglas

I think that the House would be willing to agree, particularly in view of your statement, that the subject matter of the motions on the Order Paper be debated one after the other, without reference to other matters, and that at, say, 5.30 we should conclude on these motions and have a general discussion on item No. 3—Adjournment of the Seanad. That would not preclude further reference to the subject matter of the motions if it were deemed necessary, but it would leave the House free to deal with general matters arising out of the crisis which, I think, was the main object of our coming here. This arrangement would give adequate time for specific discussion of the motions and would not curtail further reference to the matters contained in them, if necessary.

Cathaoirleach

Are Senators agreed to that course?

Peadar Mac Fhionnlaoich

Táim sásta le sin.

Mr. Foran

I do not quite understand what has been suggested by Senator Douglas.

Cathaoirleach

It is suggested that items Nos. 1 and 2 be debated concurrently and that the questions be put at not later than 5.30, and that at 5.30 the debate on the Adjournment should be taken.

Mr. Foran

As far as I can understand, these are mere details which will be debated in the House and there is no need to take up 2½ hours. I object to the time allowed.

Mr. Douglas

Might I just say, in reply to Senator Foran, that one of the reasons why I made the suggestion was the fact that you, Sir, drew attention to the fact that the subject matter of these motions could also be further debated on No. 3? It really means that after 5.30, in addition to the subject matter of these motions, we would be able to discuss matters arising out of the general crisis for which it seems to me desirable to have ample time. The Cathaoirleach has said that matters contained in these motions would be relevant under No. 3.

Cathaoirleach

Quite so, yes.

Professor Johnston

Are we to have no Ministers present?

Cathaoirleach

I understood there was to be a Minister present at the opening of the debate. There may be some explanation as to why no Minister is present.

Mr. Quirke

The general arrangement was that two Ministers were to be present, each to take the motion which applied largely to his own Department. It was then found that the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Ryan, would not be able to be here because he is rather unwell, and the Minister for Lands, Mr. Derrig, was to take the two motions. I do not know what has happened. As he has not arrived, I suggest that the Clerk should telephone his Department.

Cathaoirleach

Yes. The Clerk will do so immediately.