I beg to move. "That a sum not exceeding £25,000 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st day of March, 1924, for Secret Service." £25,000 has already been voted on account.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. - SECRET SERVICE.
I would ask the Minister whether the same remark that he made last year on this Vote applies to-day. There is a decrease of £170,000. Is this Estimate to be a normal Secret Service Vote?
I should say not, but I will undertake to give, in confidence, to the Deputy or to any member of the Dáil all reasonable information in connection with this Vote, if they apply to me, personally. It is a matter that could not well be discussed in public, but I think I will be able to satisfy them that it is a sound policy to adopt, and as long as the information is taken in confidence I would be prepared to go into any particulars of details and to give members any information that would be accepted in confidence.
Would it not be advisable to consider the postponing of this Vote so that Deputies who might apply for such information should have it before them?
I am perfectly willing.
Vote postponed, by agreement.