REPORTS AND MINISTERIAL MOTIONS. - REPORT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
DESMOND FITZGERALD (Pembroke) moved the adoption of the report of the Department for Foreign Affairs.
FIONAN O LOINSIGH (Kerry South) seconded the motion.
J.J. WALSH (Cork City) complained that there was less information in this report than could be obtained from the Press. He asked why no steps had been taken before this to get into Diplomatic relations with the Bolshevik Republic, and also why there was no mention made of the appointment of a Representative to Germany.
The ASSOCIATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Count Plunkett) in reply stated that they had now got authority to appoint Representatives to Russia. They had been in communication with Germany for some time. The news from that country was very discouraging, but latterly they appeared to be regaining their old discipline. It was now proposed to get a Consul out there.
JOSEPH MACDONAGH (Tipperary North) asked for information as to the differences between the President and others in the United States. He presumed that all the members of the Dail who were there were on the side of the President and subject to his directions.
THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Count Plunkett) stated that the friction in America was mainly caused by those who were endeavouring to use the Irish Question for the purposes of American Party Politics.
After further discussion the motion for the adoption of the report was put and agreed to.