I propose that Deputy Fahy act as Chairman of this Committee.

I move that Deputy Ward act as Chairman of this meeting of the Committee.

The first business is to fix a date up to which we will receive amendments to the Bill. The Secretary has suggested that, owing to the number of Committees that are operating at the present time, it would be well to give a reasonably long time for the sending in of amendments. I presume that there is no particular hurry in connection with the Bill. The Minister will probably require time to prepare his amendments as well as other Deputies. It is suggested that we fix a date approximately a month hence.

It should be at least a month. There are a number of Committees of importance sitting at present. Some of the Deputies on this Committee may be also serving on those other Committees, and if the Bill is not urgent I think we should postpone its consideration for a reasonable time.

I will now take propositions as to the date up to which amendments will be received.

I propose that amendments be received up to 29th May and that the next meeting of the Committee be held on the 5th June.

I presume that the Chairman will have authority to call the next meeting for an altered date if he thinks it advisable. It is quite possible that we might not be able to proceed on 5th June. On the other hand, it might be desirable to hold a meeting earlier. We will merely fix the date provisionally.