ADJOURNMENT.
At this stage a number of Members pointed out that it was a waste of time to read the reports as there was no opportunity for satisfactory discussion in the absence of responsible Ministers. Other members thought it would be wrong to adjourn without discussing the present position of affairs in Ireland and coming to a decision regarding the general policy to be adopted.
Mr. J. MACDONAGH (Tipperary; Nth.) said that a further Session should be arranged for within the next few days, when responsible Ministers could be present.
Mr. F. FAHY (Galway, South) asked for definite information on the present situation. He wanted the opinion of the Minister of Defence on the state of affairs in Galway, Tipperary, and other parts of the country. Were the Volunteers being cowed and what chance was there of holding out for another year? He also wished to know what exactly had happened in America. He had heard some people blame the President for his actions there. Information was also required as to the proposals regarding Income Tax and other sources of revenue which had been mentioned at a previous Session.
SEAN MACENTEE (Monaghan, South) said the question of Local Government was becoming very serious and proposed that as the Minister for Local Government was in attendance, his report should be proceeded with.
M.P. COLIVET (Limerick City) seconded.
The proposal was defeated, and after further discussion the following resolution was unanimously adopted on the motion of LIAM DE ROISTE (Cork City), seconded by R.M. SWEETMAN (Wexford, North):—
"That this Session of Dáil now adjourn owing to its inability to discuss adequately important questions of policy in the unavoidable absence of responsible Ministers, and that we request the President to have a statement ready to be submitted to the Dáil so that definite decisions on policy can be come to by the Dáil. A meeting of the Dáil to be held, if possible, at once."
The Session thereupon adjourned.