Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Feb 1925

Vol. 10 No. 2

POLICE FORCES AMALGAMATION BILL, 1924.—REPORT STAGE.

Mr. O'Higgins

I move:—

In page 8, line 31, to add to Section 14 a new sub-section as follows:—

"Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if either House shall, within twenty-one days on which such House has sat next after such regulation was laid before it, pass a resolution annulling such regulation, such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder."

I have put down that amendment in fulfilment of an undertaking that I gave Deputy Cooper on the Committee Stage. I accepted in substance the principle of an amendment of his and asked to have an opportunity of submitting it to the draftsman.

Major COOPER

I agree that the Minister has fulfilled his undertaking, and I accept this amendment, although the wording is not precisely that of mine, as a distinct improvement in the Bill. I take it, it is now possible for any person who is aggrieved by any regulation that may be made under the Bill by the Commissioner of the amalgamated force to approach a Deputy or a Senator and have the matter discussed on a resolution and a decision come to. I think that is a proper safeguard in dealing with any large body of men—that they can feel that they can have some constitutional redress for their grievances. That was the object of my original amendment, and I thank the Minister for accepting the principle of it.

Amendment put and agreed to.

Mr. O'HIGGINS

I move: "That the Bill, as amended, be received for final consideration."

Question put and agreed to.

Fifth Stage fixed for Wednesday, February 18th.