I understand that the leader of the Opposition desires to put a question to the Minister.
Business of Dáil.
I should like to put two questions to the Minister. I should like to know, in the first place, the approximate date of the introduction of the Budget. The second matter on which I should like information concerns an Emergency Order, issued under the Minister's name, authorising the Guards to stop cars and, furthermore, authorising them to use firearms for that purpose. My opinion is that the Minister has not got that power and, if he has not the power, he cannot pass it on. The use of firearms by any servant of the State is a very serious matter and; in view of the fact that the Minister has not got the power to authorise the use of firearms, he cannot issue such a power to the Guards.
Mr. Boland
The question has only been put into my hands now.
If I had heard of it in time, I would have raised it on Friday last. I do not want an immediate answer. I simply put it to the Minister as a serious matter.
Perhaps the Deputy would be satisfied if the Minister would communicate with him later on the matter?
Mr. Boland
I shall do that.
The Dáil adjourned at 4.25 p.m. until Wednesday, 10th April, at 3 p.m.