IRISH DEBATE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 600, 3 August 1933, Page 5

IRISH DEBATE

(Press Assn.-

government asked for assurance of protection COSGRAVE'S CHALLENGE

-By Telegraph— Copyrlght).

Dublin, August 1. In referring to the week-end collection of arms Mr. W. T. Cosgrave in the Dail asked Mr. De Valera to state the number of firearms collected, also the number it was, proposedshould be collected and left uncollected. Mr. P. Ruttledge, Minister of Justice, in replying, said all certificates in respect to revolvers had been revoked. It was not in the public ipterest to disclose the number of small arms concerned. Mr. Fitzgerald asked for an assurance that adequate protection would be given every person whose life was endangered, also to banks whose property was in danger, and further that action would be taken against every illegal body, whether or not associated with .the Government, in order to make them incapable of assassinating people in supporting the State. Mr. Ruttledge replied that the Government's actions were perfectly lawful. All protection neeessary had and would be given. Mr. Cosgrave asked leave to raise the matter on adjourning, resulting in a member of the Government shouting, "We gave you protection." Mr. Cosgrave retorted: "You can take your protection, if you like, I am able to protect myself. I was never one the run from my fellow countrymen, which is more than the occupants of the front bench can say." The speaker agreed to a debate tonight.