I ask the leave of the Dáil to have printed and circulated a Bill to establish in Saorstát Eireann, and regulate a Police Force to be called "The Civic Guard." The necessity for a Bill of this kind will be obvious to Deputies. The disbandment of the R.I.C. necessitated the raising of a Force for policing the Free State territory outside the boundaries of the Dublin Metropolitan Police area. A committee was appointed by the Provisional Government early in 1922 to inquire into and advise on a form of Police Organisation, most suited to the needs of the country. On the broad basis of the recommendations which that committee made, the Civic Guard was established as a force. The only statutory authority for the Civic Guard at the moment is contained in a Section of the District Justices' Bill. What is sought now in this Bill is full statutory authority for raising, training, equipping and paying of the Civic Guard. It has been found possible to embody all that is thought to be really essential in a Bill of 24 Sections. and I ask leave now to have that Bill printed and circulated to members.
THE CIVIC GUARD BILL, 1923—FIRST STAGE.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
Question: "That leave be granted to introduce the Civic Guard Bill, 1923," put and agreed to.
Second Stage ordered for Monday next, 30th July.