When the Offences Against the State Bill, was taken in the Dail yesterday, an unsuccessful effort was made to exclude by name trade unions from the scope of the bill. Mr Ruttledge pointed out that trade unions could not be affected unless they engaged in illegal activities, but trade unions, no more than anybody else, would not be allowed to advocate treason.
A Labour Party amendment, that the bill should not so operate as to make unlawful the doing of any act, which, under the Trade Union Acts, 1871 to 1935, was not unlawful at the passing of the bill, was defeated by a large majority.
An Opposition amendment, to extend the exemptions given to Government publications to the reporting by newspapers of certain public meetings, was refused by the Minister, who said that writing and speech were among the most dangerous methods of inciting to violence.
The bill passed through Committee.
The Irish Times, April 20th, 1939.
