There is an aspect of this question that Deputies who have taken part in the debate seem to have missed. This Empire Parliamentary Association is somewhat of a cooperative business. If we do not make this contribution the Free State reports will not appear in the journal. It is not merely that individual members will not get the journal, but that the Free State reports will not appear in it. I think that this money, therefore, serves two purposes, and from that point of view it is well spent. A number of Deputies undoubtedly do not read the journal. I think it would be well worth their while if they did. They would be clearer in regard to a number of matters. A fair number of Deputies do read it. There is no doubt that interest is taken by the Parliaments of the Commonwealth in the proceedings here. In view of our particular relationship, of certain difficulties that have had to be met and overcome, and certain other difficulties that are still in process of being dealt with, it is distinctly useful that our position and our proceedings here should be brought before the eyes of politicians in the different Parliaments of the Commonwealth. From that point of view alone I think that the expenditure would be worth while. We are at the present time, and were in the old days, inclined, perhaps, to over-rate the question of propaganda and the importance of having the point of view that was held here brought to the notice of people outside. But I do think in this particular matter, having regard to the constitutional position, even if no member of the Oireachtas were to read the journal, it would still be worth this particular expenditure.
[An Ceann Comhairle resumed the Chair.]