asked the President whether it is intended to revoke the Order bringing into force the provisions of Article 2A of the Constitution in view of the unpopularity of the Article.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Article 2A of the Constitution.
The answer is in the negative. Although there has been a decided improvement in the situation in recent months, organised crimes of violence are still occurring with which the ordinary courts could not effectively deal. The Government, therefore, feels that the time has not yet arrived when it would be justified in suspending the operation of Article 2A of the Constitution. I need hardly assure the Deputy that it was with reluctance the Government invoked the Article in the first instance and that we shall be only too anxious to suspend its operation when circumstances justify that course.
Arising out of the President's reply, is he aware that the provisions of this Article are bitterly resented by nationalist and democratic organisations throughout the country? The terms of the Article were assailed by the President and by members of his Party when it was introduced. Will the President say what set of circumstances now justify a continuance of the Article, in view of the unmeasured terms in which it was denounced when it was passing through this House?
I am quite aware that there is considerable opposition to the operation of this Article of the Constitution but, in view of the fact that organised crimes of violence are still occurring, the Government does not feel that it would be doing its duty if it were at this time to suspend the operation of the Article.
Does the President think that the fact that there may be crimes of that kind committed justifies a continuance of tyranny of this kind, which is worse than any crime against the people's liberty that has been committed?
I do not agree with what the Deputy says.
Am I to understand that the Labour Party now repudiates this Article?
A separate question.
Am I to understand from the President that he now understands that the Labour Party no longer supports him in the operation of this Article?
This is a separate question.
Will the President say if there is any movement of violence in this country that can equal the Fianna Fáil Party in practically wiping out the courts and wiping out the Seanad, and imposing, against the widespread opinion of the country, burdens on local authorities that they are not able to bear?
That is a separate question.
I do not agree with the Deputy's statement.
It is pertinent.
It is irrelevant.
Can the President say whether in his fortnightly conferences with the Labour Party he has come to the conclusion that they only disliked tyranny when it cannot be applied against political opponents?
That is a separate question.