ACTING PRESIDENT'S OPENING STATEMENT. - UNIONIST POURPARLERS.
The only other important matter he had to mention was that some leaders of the Irish Unionist Party recently visited him and asked if peace could not be arranged. They asked if he would submit proposals from them to Dáil Éireann. He told them that Dáil Éireann would receive proposals from any body of Irishmen, and would send a courteous reply. They subsequently submitted a scheme for the establishment of a Commonwealth connected with England. These proposals were placed before the Ministry, who decided that they contained no basis for a settlement. He suggested that counter proposals be sent to the Unionists, and that they be asked what guarantees they would require from the Republic. They should be met by the Commission on Organised Opposition to the Republic which was being set up. He suggested the following terms of reference for the Commission:—
"To investigate and report on the organised opposition to the Republic amongst certain sections of the Irish people.
"To consider the means by which such opposition can be abated or overcome.
"To consider what steps can be taken to protect and strengthen the Republican population in areas in which the majority is hostile."
The only names suggested for the Commission so far were those of the Secretary for Finance, the Rev. Dr. Irwin and himself. It would be for the Dáil to suggest further names.
As it was very desirable that the business of the Session be concluded as early as possible, he asked the Deputies to try and finish the Agenda by 7 p.m.