Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Friday, 24 Aug 1934

Vol. 19 No. 3

Notice of Motion.

Acting Chairman

The following notice of motion in the names of Senators Wilson, Miss Browne and Blythe has been handed in:—

(1) That the Seanad condemns the action of the members of the Special Branch of the Gárda Síochána who, on Monday, the 13th August, 1934, fired on unarmed citizens in the City of Cork, causing the death of one and seriously wounding others, and demands that the Guards who took part in the deadly fusillade be put on trial, and that in future no Guard who has not undergone the full ordinary training of members of the Force be permitted to carry firearms.

(2) That the Seanad further recommends that the Government, with a view to preventing developments likely to provoke disorder, should appoint an impartial tribunal to consider and report whether, in fairness to the farmers of the Saorstát, the collection of land annuities should not be suspended.

Mr. Foran

Is that motion going down on the Order Paper?

Acting Chairman

I presume it is. The motion is in order.

Mr. Foran

Is there any legal adviser available to say, when a motion of this kind is handed in, whether it is in order or not. We may find when we come here on Wednesday that it is not in order though it will have received publicity, and I think it is a pity that the House should be exploited in this way. I think the opinion of counsel should be taken as to whether it is in compliance with the Standing Orders.

Acting Chairman

The motion has been accepted by the Cathaoirleach. It rests with him to decide whether it is in order or not, and he has accepted it. There is some question as to the order and precedence of business for next Wednesday and Thursday, but I think it is better to wait for the return of the Cathaoirleach, and a fuller House, before deciding anything of that nature. Meantime this motion will appear on the Order Paper.

Mr. Comyn

Will it not come on at the end of the legislative business?

Acting Chairman

Yes, unless the House decides otherwise.

Mr. Quirke

Meantime this motion will go on the Order Paper and will get publicity. I agree with Senator Foran that it is a desperate state of affairs if it is found that this motion is not in order that it should get all this publicity. Furthermore, I protest against the action of people who put this thing forward and particularly against the action of Senator Blythe who, when he was in control of affairs, was not so chicken-hearted as he now pretends to be. I believe this motion is merely intended to break the morale of the Civic Guards.

Acting Chairman

The motion having been accepted by the Cathaoirleach is in order and will appear on the Order Paper for Wednesday.

The Seanad adjourned at 4.50 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 29th August, 1934.