asked the President whether his attention has been drawn to a Bill now before the British Parliament for the purpose of extending the powers of the Parliament of Northern Ireland by the removal of restrictions and reservations contained in the Government of Ireland Act, 1920; whether there was any consultation and agreement between the British Government and the Executive Council before the introduction of this Bill; and, if not, whether it is intended to enter a protest against the enlargement of the powers of the Government of Northern Ireland, without consulting, and without the consent of, the Government of the Irish Free State.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - POWERS OF GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN IRELAND.
I have seen the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which, I presume, is the Bill referred to. In as far as its provisions relate to reservations contained in the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, they are of an explanatory nature and deal with matters which are of no concern to the Irish Free State. No consultation or agreement has taken place on the subject, nor does any action appear to be called for.
Does the Minister not consider that additional powers are being given to the Northern Government, and, in view of that fact, does he not think that the Executive should have been consulted in the matter?
I do not think additional powers are being conferred, and if they were being conferred we would have no objection.