Committee Reports > List of Committees > Seanad > 1961 > Select Committee on Statutory Instruments > Report No. 03 - Statutory Instruments [15]

APPENDIX VIII.

Land Bond Order, 1961 (S.I. No. 10 of 1961).

An Rúnaí,

An Roinn Airgeadais.

I am directed by the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments to refer to the Land Bond Order, 1961 [S.I. No. 10 of 1961], which was laid before Seanad Éireann pursuant to statute on 20th January, 1961.

As the Order was made on 5th January, 1961, the Select Committee must, in accordance with its terms of reference consider whether there was unjustifiable delay in laying the instrument before Seanad Éireann. It would be glad to receive a memorandum as soon as possible explaining the delay in presentation.

Cléireach an Rogha-Choiste.

An Roinn Airgeadais,

Sraid Mhuirbhthean Uacht,

Baile Átha Cliath, 2.

An Cléireach,

An Rogha-Choiste um Ionstraimí Reachtúla,

Seanad Éireann.

I am directed by the Minister for Finance to refer to your minute of 27 April, 1961, inquiring why the Land Bond Order, 1961, was not laid before Seanad Éireann until 20 January, 1961, although it had been made on 5 January.

In reply, I am to say that unfortunately, during the widespread outbreak of influenza at the time, the two officers who comprised the section dealing with the Land Commission both fell ill. It was not possible to replace them and their superior officer was under heavy pressure of work both because of their absence and because the annual estimates submitted by Departments were then under urgent examination. Consequently, the fact that the Order had not been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas was overlooked until 20 January, 1961; it was then laid before them the same day.

In the circumstances, the delay appears to have been excusable.

13 Bealtaine, 1961.