asked the President whether he is aware of the great financial distress prevailing amongst ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who resigned or were dismissed on political grounds; whether he will undertake to introduce during the present Session a Bill to provide for those whose claims were passed by the Committee of Enquiry into the resignations and dismissals from that force during the British regime.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - EX-MEMBERS OF R.I.C.
I have nothing to add to the reply given on 26th ultimo to a similar question asked by Deputy de Nogla, which was:—Legislation to provide for ex-members of the R.I.C. whose resignations or dismissals were caused by their national sympathies will be introduced as soon as the pressure of Parliamentary and Departmental business permits.
Can the Minister give us any idea when that is likely to be? Will it be within the next fortnight, the next month, or the next three months?
It is possible that we will be able to introduce it within a fortnight, but I cannot promise unless we get some sort of facilities such as were afforded last night. With the mass of business that we have to put before the Dáil, we will require longer sittings, and perhaps a greater number of sittings than we are having.
May I point out to the President that it might be advantageous to adopt the policy that has already been suggested, but hitherto not considered desirable—that is, to refer measures to Special Committees to consider them. That would probably facilitate the business of the Dáil. We could have two Committees going at the same time. Perhaps it could be arranged to introduce some of these measures into the Seanad, and let them get on with the work there as well as here?
I have been considering that, and I brought the matter before the Executive Council yesterday. It is under consideration at the present moment.