In moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I think I may claim that it is one of the shortest measures that has come before the Dáil up to the present. It contains one clause, and it is to the effect that the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Acts, 1923 to 1925, shall continue in force until the 31st day of March, 1927, and shall then expire. I think that on the last occasion when we asked for a continuance of the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923, it was promised to this House that by this time a permanent Act would be introduced. I am not, however, in a position at this juncture to introduce a permanent Act. I do not think, in the first instance, that it would be good policy to introduce such an Act now. So far as I can see from the connection which I have had with the Department of Defence, it will take, and it has taken, all the time from the establishment of the forces on the 1st October, 1924, up to date, to find out and sift what is best for the country and for the Army and what best possible form of permanent Defence Act could be brought forward. I do not wish to come before the Dáil with a trumped-up Bill which would not pass muster. If it is my privilege to bring a permanent Bill before the Dáil, I want to bring one which will be watertight and which will not require amendment every year. For that reason I am convinced that I have taken the best possible course in order to bring forth a measure over which we can stand and which will be for the best interests both of the Army and the country. Perhaps I will be asked what is my policy at present in regard to the Army. My policy is to maintain discipline in the present Defence Forces and to see that they are in a position to defend the country so far as the country's needs are concerned, and to see that the forces which we are maintaining are such as the country can afford to pay for.
I know that some people think that we could get on without an Army altogether. I do not share that opinion. I say that a moderate and well-equipped army is essential for the interests of the country. It is essential also as an insurance, if for nothing else, because I believe that the price you pay for the Army is well worth the expenditure and you get value in return for it. The Army and the Council of Defence have been considering for some time back what are the best organisation schemes that can be put forward. These schemes have been under consideration for some time but they are not yet perfected. But as a Bill must be brought in to legalise the forces after the 31st March, I think the only thing I can do is to continue the Emergency Bill up to the 31st March, 1927. The Defence Forces measure we have at present is an immense document. There are 246 clauses and eight schedules in it, and with the amount of legislation which we have before us for this session, I do not think it would be possible, even if we were ready for it, to get that legislation through and to give it the time and attention which it would deserve. Therefore, I am of opinion that I am doing the right thing in continuing the present Act in force for one year from the 31st March next.
We have made some changes in connection with the Army under the present Act. We are about to take in Cadets for the Air Force, and I hope to extend that system to the Army during the course of the coming year. The Army itself may possibly be greater or smaller, according as the exigencies of the case demand, but at present we have stopped recruiting except for No. 1 Battalion, the Irish-speaking Battalion, which is not up to strength. That is the only branch we are recruiting for with the exception of the School of Music. I think, under the circumstances, I am justified in asking the Dáil to pass this measure, and I may say confidently that it will be the last time that we will come before the Dáil to ask for a temporary measure.
Question—"That the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) (No. 2) Bill. 1925, be read a second time."