Memorandum by the Department of the Taoiseach on matters requiring immediate action should Ireland become involved in hostilities

Matters in regard to which immediate action would have to be taken by Ministers in the event of this country becoming involved in hostilities.

1. TAOISEACH

   (a) Issue of Directions under Emergency Powers (No. 48) Order, 1940 (Regional Commissioners).

   (b) Broadcast to the People.

   (c) Summoning of Dáil and Seanad.

2. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

   (a) Protest to Government of country concerned in attack.

   (b) Notification to Governments of neutral countries of violation of neutrality of this country.

   (c) Request for aid against an invader.

   (d) Notification to the enemy of (1) Voluntary Aid Societies authorised to give assistance to the medical Services of the Defence Forces (2) Military and marine titles and ranks (3) Uniform worn by L.D.F.

   (e) Notification to the Swiss Federal Council of regulations governing custody, discipline, etc. of prisoners of war.

3. SUPPLIES

   (a) Issue of instructions to Regional Commissioners to proceed to their regions.

4. FINANCE

   (a) Proclamation of Bank Holidays.

   (b) Closing of Stock Exchanges.

   (c) Transfer and allocation of Civil Service Staffs (if necessary).

   (d) Suspension of payments to enemy country.

5. LOCAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC HEALTH

   (a) Issue of instructions to Local Bodies and their staffs regarding their relations with an invader.

6. CO-ORDINATION OF DEFENSIVE MEASURES (OR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE)

   (a) Order under Section 27 of the Air Raid Precautions Act, 1939, empowering any local authority to take possession of premises for use for A.R.P. purposes.

   (b) Order under Section 57 of the Air Raid Precautions Act, 1939, empowering the Commissioners of Public Works to take possession of premises for use for State purposes.

   (c) Order under Emergency Powers Order, 1939, providing for continuous black-out.

   (d) Authorisations under Section 45 of the Emergency Powers Order, 1939, enabling rescue and demolition work and contamination measures to be carried out.

7. POSTS & TELEGRAPHS

   (a) Instructions to Area Officers to proceed to their districts.

8. DEFENCE, INDUSTRY & COMMERCE, EDUCATION, JUSTICE, LANDS, AGRICULTURE.

   Nil.

Note: Items 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) and 5(a) will first be considered by the Government.