I have given due consideration to the matter raised by Senator Comyn at the opening of yesterday's meeting of the House, when he alleged that a breach of privilege had been committed in respect of his person by his being stopped by the military guard for the purpose of identification when he was entering Leinster House on Tuesday. Had there in fact been a breach of privilege I should have felt bound to request the House to take action in the matter, but I cannot subscribe to the view that a request to stop for purposes of identification is an arrest within the meaning of Section 18 of the Constitution. I find on inquiry that it is usual for the military guard to request persons to stop whom they do not immediately recognise, but that upon recognition they are allowed to proceed, and that the guard invariably discharge their duties in a courteous manner.
[Mr. Johnson rose.]