asked the President whether he has received any representations from public bodies asking that Communism should be outlawed, and, if so, what action it is proposed to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The State and Communism.
No such representations have reached me from any statutory public body. I have, however, received resolutions passed by the National Council of the Catholic Young Men's Society of Ireland asking that Communist activities and propaganda should be made illegal. These activities are kept under constant observation by the police, and are the subject of frequent reports to the Minister for Justice and myself. Our information is that the Communist movement in the Irish Free State has failed to obtain any serious measure of support and that it is, in fact, on the wane. We do not propose to adopt repressive measures which would tend to secure for the movement a sympathy which it now receives from no section of the community.
Is the President aware that religious and public opinion is considerably perturbed at the progress of the Communist movement, and the feeling is that the President should, if necessary, take drastic steps to deal with the situation?
I have informed the Deputy that we are getting constant reports and the activities of Communists are under constant observation. If there is any need for public action we will be prepared to take it.