Vol. 41 No. 5
I move:—
That, pursuant to sub-section 2º of Section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Eireann concur with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Bill, 1952, on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.
Would the Minister explain the motion?
The reason for it is that the Bill becomes operative as an Act on 1st January. In accordance with constitutional requirements, the President will have to sign that Bill earlier than the period set out. The Constitution provides that if the Seanad agrees with a request by the Government for earlier signature, the President is authorised to sign such Bill, making it an Act. It is nothing new. It has been done before and I submit that the motion involves no new principle.
