This Bill is entirely formal. A memorandum which has been circulated to Senators makes it clear that the General Nursing Council holds office for five years. Its present term of office will expire at the end of this year. It is contemplated that some changes will be made by an Act of the Oireachtas, and hence it has been suggested that, in order to save the expense of an election, steps should be taken to continue the present council in office until such time as the Minister may decide that it shall cease to hold office. It will cease to hold office when the new Act has been passed.
Nurses Registration Bill, 1948—Second and Subsequent Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
We have no objection to the Second Reading of the Bill. We take it that it has been brought forward as a result of representations made by the council to the Minister. It would seem ludicrous to hold an election now if the intention is that, within a comparatively short time, new legislation would necessitate a further election. Therefore, I think it is prudent for us to give our assent to the Second Reading of this Bill.
Question put and agreed to.
I suggest that the House might take the remaining stages of the Bill now.
Senator Hayes was the only member who used to object to that in the past.
This is a purely formal Bill, and we have no objection to the remaining stages being taken now.
Agreed that the remaining stages of the Bill be taken to-day.
Bill passed through Committee without amendment.
Bill reported without amendment.
Question—"That the Bill be received for final consideration"—put and agreed to.
Question—"That the Bill do now pass"—put and agreed to.