asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been called to reports which have recently appeared in the Press, in which it was alleged that an express promise was made by him to the Executive of the Farmers' Union to the effect that military would not be employed to execute decrees obtained against unpurchased tenants, as provided for in the Enforcement of Law Act; whether, in fact, any such promise was made by him to the Union or to any other body, and, if so, was such promise made after consultation with the Executive Council.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - MILITARY AND EXECUTION OF DECREES.
I am aware that reports have appeared in the Press alleging that promises were given by me that the military would not be employed to execute decrees against unpurchased tenants. No such promise was given by me. I have stated repeatedly that neither myself nor any other Minister is in a position to interfere with the course of law as between a plaintiff and a defendant. In fact the number of decrees for rent executed up to date is extremely few. I propose to deal with this question on the resumed debate on the Second Reading of the Land Bill.