When is it proposed to take the next Stage?

I see no objection to taking it now.

Níl sin aontuighthe.

I submit, as a matter of order, that this Bill has been rushed in the most extraordinary way. It was debated here on the very day we received it coming into the Dáil, without any previous notice, and I think it would not be fair, in view of its importance, to rush it through this afternoon.

If that is so, I will have to move the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable us to take the remaining stages now.

Does that mean that we are not to be given any opportunity to amend the Bill, or to review it, or to consider it in the light of any change which has taken place.

It is open to members to move any amendment they wish.

I put it to you, An Leas-Chinn Comhairle, that it cannot be said to be a matter of urgent importance —a matter that would require the suspension of Standing Orders, to allow a Bill of this nature to be rushed through without proper consideration. The Dáil ought not to be asked to suspend the Standing Orders on a matter of this kind.

I would prefer that the Ceann Comhairle would give a ruling on this point.

On a point of order, I submit you will have to go on to the next item on the Orders of the day.

As the Ceann Comhairle is in the building, and as this is a rather difficult point to decide, I propose to ask him to give a ruling.

(having taken the Chair). What is the urgency of taking the remaining stages of the Bill this evening?

In view of what has happened to-day, it is quite possible that the persons for whose responsibility we are liable may be affected unless immediate effect is given to this Bill. I think that is a matter of very, very great importance. We are told that certain people have declared that the war is over. By reason of that fact, a number of persons who have trust in us, and who unhesitatingly gave us their support, during a difficult period, now have a natural prescriptive right to look to us to see that they are safeguarded, and that they are held immune for certain acts that have been done during the disturbance. I think that is a matter of the greatest possible public urgency.

May I point out that a section in the Public Safety Act deals with the very matter the President has in mind. The Ministry insisted on putting in a section that prisoners sentenced shall continue to serve their sentences until the Bill expires or until they are discharged. That is the very thing the President is dealing with. If this Bill is taken to-morrow I fail to see what damage it will do the President.

It will do no damage to me. I am safe enough.

I think the motion can be accepted to suspend the Standing Orders for consideration of this Bill.

I move the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable us to take the further stages of this Bill now.

I second the motion.

Is that an adequate majority, Sir, under the Standing Orders?

Yes, forty-one is the majority provided for in the Standing Order.