I desire to move for permission to have printed and circulated to the Deputies a Bill the object of which is to give the Commissioners of Public Works power to examine and acquire, if necessary compulsorily, premises for the accommodation of the Civic Guard. The total Civic Guard establishment provides for 807 stations. To date only 401 stations have been established, and there has been considerable difficulty and delay in establishing these. It was only after very long negotiations that a station could be established, for instance, in the important town of Mallow, and it is only quite recently that we have been able to open stations in Tullamore, Carrick-on-Suir, Claremorris, and other towns of populations running into thousands. The reaction of that delay on civic administration will be obvious, and we consider that the circumstances justify asking the Dáil for powers for compulsory acquisition. There will be in the Bill provisions for arbitration or settlement on the questions of rent, and so on. It seems definitely a question where the public interests demands the sinking of the strict legal rights of individuals. It seems eminently a case where compulsory powers are needed by the State and ought to be given by the Oireachtas.
CIVIC GUARD (ACQUISITION OF PREMISES) BILL, 1923. - FIRST STAGE.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
Question put and agreed to.
Second Stage ordered for Friday.