asked the Minister for Defence (a) if he is aware, and if it is with the permission of the Government, that a foreign Power has at present representatives in the Saorstát for the purpose of recruiting young men for the British Army; (b) if he is aware that all expenses of recruits to and from the attesting stations in England are paid by the British Government; and (c) if he is aware that certain citizens of the Saorstát who attested and were rejected at these stations, have afterwards been admitted into the National Army?

The replies to the three parts of the question are in the negative.

Is the Minister aware that recruiting by the British Government is taking place in Fermoy, Mallow and Kanturk, and that they have secret agents appointed there, in one place a Church of England minister, and in the case of Mallow, an ex-British officer?

I shall be very much interested if the Deputy can give us information about the secret agents they have.

Will the Minister take steps towards prosecution if the cases are brought before him?

I do not understand the Deputy.

The misunderstanding is mutual.

Does the Minister suggest that secrecy is not necessary?

I am not aware that such a thing is taking place. If the Deputies have information that they think will be of use, I shall be glad to have it.

Is the Minister intentionally unaware of it?