I move that the Civic Guard (Acquisition of Premises) (Amendment) Bill, 1926, be read a second time. In this Bill we seek to extend for another year the period during which the Board of Works may exercise the powers of compulsory acquisition of premises conferred by the Civic Guard (Acquisition of Premises) Act, 1923. These powers were used altogether by the Board of Works in 78 cases. In 18 of these cases the premises have since been vacated by the Gárdaí, leaving 60 still occupied. In connection with 44 of these 60 premises the Board of Works have succeeded in arranging terms of tenancy amicably. In 4 cases they were compelled to fix rents under their powers. In the other 12 negotiations towards agreement are still proceeding. While we have made considerable progress in providing suitable accommodation for the Gárda throughout the country, there are at present about 230 stations where the premises now occupied are unsuitable for permanent occupation. At the present rate of progress more than another year will elapse before the housing position of the Gárda through the country is satisfactory, and the Board of Works have intimated that it is very desirable in the meantime that the powers conferred by the Civic Guard (Acquisition of Premises) Act should be retained. These powers are exercised only where the owners prove unreasonable; they are not exercised in any case where acquisition would impose hardship on owners or occupants.
CIVIC GUARD (ACQUISITION OF PREMISES) (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1926.—SECOND STAGE.
Question put and agreed to. Committee Stage ordered for Tuesday, 11th May.
I may mention that I will probably seek the suspension of Standing Orders on that day to enable the remaining Stages to be taken.