I move for leave to introduce this measure. It is a Bill to continue the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Acts, 1923 to 1925, for one year from the 31st March, 1926, to the 31st March, 1927.
POLICY OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION. - DEFENCE FORCES (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) (No. 2) BILL, 1925—FIRST STAGE.
I take it that the Minister will give us a full statement on the policy of his Department respecting the Army on the Second Reading of this Bill. I assume that that is the position the Minister will adopt, because the continued re-enactment of Temporary Acts will require some justification, and I hope the Minister will give us a full statement of Ministerial policy in respect to the Army on Second Reading.
I will endeavour to do so.
I must certainly protest against the introduction of this Bill. I think it is very unfair to the House that we should be asked, month after month and year after year, to wait for the policy of the Executive with regard to the Army. I think it is also very unfair to the Army itself. It is unfair to the men who are being taught their duties in the Army that they should be kept in this state of suspense as to what the intentions of the Government are with regard to the Army. I do not know how many times the Government has come before the Dáil and asked for temporary powers to continue the present situation, which is admittedly a provisional situation, in regard to the Army. I think it is high time that the Minister gave some inkling as to what the permanent intentions of the Government are with regard to national defence. I certainly object to the introduction of this Bill.
Would the Minister say for what period it is proposed to continue this measure?
From March, 1926. to March, 1927. I have nothing further to add except to say that I will try to explain the position on Second Reading.
Question: "That leave be given to introduce the Bill"—put and declared carried.
Second Stage ordered for Wednesday, 2nd December, 1925.