I beg to move the Second Reading of this Bill, which comes naturally after the period of disturbance such as we have known. The first Section of it deals with restrictions on the taking of proceedings against certain persons for acts done, or purported to be done, for the purpose, or in the course of the suppression of armed revolt. It gives indemnity to those persons, and also to acts done by them in good faith or in the execution of their duty, or acts done by persons holding office in the service of the Provisional Government or the Government of Saorstát Eireann. The second Clause deals with the provision being made for a Certificate to be supplied by an Executive Minister, certifying that the matters mentioned in the Section shall be conclusive evidence, and the third Section deals with the validation and review of sentences of military tribunals. It affords an opportunity for investigating sentences which have been passed, and it restricts any increase on those sentences. The Fourth Section deals with the definition of the words "Provisional Government." I move the Second Reading of the Bill.
INDEMNITY BILL, 1923. - SECOND STAGE.
I second the motion.
I take it that the Dáil is generally agreed upon the necessity for an Indemnity Bill. We have not had time to read this Bill and to find how far it extends and whom and what it covers. I, for one, agree that an Indemnity Bill is required and should pass. I hope it will not be suggested that we should go any further than agree to the principle, until we have had a proper opportunity of examining the clauses and finding out how far they extend and what they cover.
I had this Bill included for Third, Fourth and Fifth stages to-day, but I think the statement of Deputy Johnson is a perfectly reasonable statement, and I should like to know if it would be agreeable that we could take the Bill to-morrow if there is sufficient time. If it was so desired, we could deal with one stage to-morrow, and take the other stages on Thursday, but I would like to have it finished on Thursday if possible; indeed, I would like to have it to-morrow, but I admit the reasonableness of the objections put forward, and, in view of the indulgence we got from the Dáil, I think it is the least that could be expected that we should meet them in regard to these next stages. There is not much business on the Paper to-morrow, and unless I could persuade Deputies to take the Second Reading of the Judiciary Bill, I do not know whether it would be possible to get consideration for all the Bills by the Seanad in sufficient time this week to deal with them here in the event of amendments taking place. If that is so, I would like that we could keep in Session for a meeting one day next week up to Thursday. If not, I think we would have to ask the Dáil to sit on Saturday. It may not be necessary; but unless we get all the Bills returned on Thursday evening, or sit late on Friday, I am afraid it will be necessary to ask the Dáil to sit on Saturday, so as to receive and deal with any of those measures which would come back from the Seanad.
On the question of receiving this Bill for Committee, it could be taken late to-morrow, so that we might have time, perhaps to-morrow morning, to consider it. I do not know what other business there is for to-morrow but I would agree, if this Bill is postponed now, to take its later stages to-morrow. On the question of a later sitting, it might be possible to make arrangements, as far as we are concerned, to meet the desires of the President. I do not know how best to do it. Saturday perhaps, or Monday, or perhaps later on towards the end of the week.
So long as it would come before Thursday. Thursday would be the last day.
Could we leave it a little later to decide?
Yes, so long as Deputies appreciate our difficulties in the matter we are quite satisfied.