It is proposed to take Nos. 1 and 3.
Order of Business.
There used to be a British political slogan about the House of Lords—"End 'em or mend 'em". Something should be done about this House either to make it do its business or abolish it. This is a costly and futile proceeding, going on to-day and next week. The Dáil has adjourned and we are confronted with long Bills. Some of them, like the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Bill are very complicated measures. This Bill, the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, is very much open to argument in regard to hours. We are asked to deal with it at this hour of the day when the Dáil has adjourned and with no hope of ever getting an amendment carried because, whatever the Minister or any other Minister may say, the Dáil will not be recalled and our proceedings therefore are futile.
The Minister for Justice and I— and, I think, Senator Ó Maoláin— were members of a commission dealing with the Seanad and we made almost unanimous recommendations. Nothing was done about it. Even as the House is now constituted, it is not able to do business because of the way the Government treat it. The Tánaiste was asked if he would have certain Bills brought in here. That might have arranged business better but nothing happened about it. We are now in the position where we can talk but we cannot talk with any feeling of confidence that we are doing fruitful work.
I wish to support very strongly what Senator Hayes has said because we feel frustrated here by not being given an opportunity for a full discussion of Bills coming at this time of the year and also because of the way motions are treated. They stay on the Order Paper for years. Despite the fact that we are told that no amendments will be taken, I, at least—and I know I speak for many here—intend to use my rights to the fullest extent to ensure that our views go on record.
That matter can come up on the Bill.
No one suggested that no amendments would be taken. That is an illusion created by Senator Quinlan for himself. Amendments will be taken, of course.