I beg to ask the President the following question of which I have given him private notice:—If he is aware that legal proceedings have been instituted against certain individuals in County Leitrim for acts done by them during the period of the Anglo-Irish War; if he is aware that these acts were done by Irish Volunteers in the discharge of their duties, acting under orders issued with the authority of Dáil Eireann; and whether he will give an assurance that indemnity will be given to all persons bona fide concerned in the doing of such acts?
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - INDEMNITY BILL TO BE INTRODUCED.
I am aware of the fact that proceedings have been instituted in the County Leitrim in connection with the matters mentioned. As regards the second part of the question, I have not been able to ascertain, but I am taking it that what the Deputy says is quite correct. As regards the third part of the question, it is intended to introduce an Indemnity Bill, which is at present in the hands of the Parliamentary draftsman, and I anticipate an early introduction of this measure.
Is that an additional Bill to the list that we have had placed before us, and is it expected to pass before the adjournment?
Yes; I think this will be a rather simple Bill. I gave some information to the Committee on Privileges about it, and I do not think it will occupy very much time. I think all parties in the Dáil will be anxious to facilitate its passage.
If these acts were done under the authority of Dáil Eireann there is no need for an Indemnity Bill.
The Deputy may not be aware that while Dáil Eireann may have authorised certain acts, it did not give the necessary legislative authority for certain acts, and these omissions were scarcely of a character which would reflect upon the Dáil. It was not in a position to meet regularly. Its meetings were crowded with a very copious agenda, some matters on which may have had to be left over. I take it, it is not necessary to make any apologies on behalf of that very eminent body during the very difficult period in which it met.