24 JUNE 1922, Page 2

A curious provision, which has no doubt been suggested by

current Socialistic theory, is that the Parliament may establish " Functional or Vocational Councils representing branches of the social and economic life of the nation." The powers, rights and duties and the relation of such Councils to the Free State must be determined by special laws. We are greatly interested to see that provision is made for the Referendum or Poll of the People, and also for the Initiative. Perhaps the most important section in the Constitution defines the nature of the Executive Council. The Council is to consist of not more than twelve Taloigters (Airi as they are called in Irish), of whom four Ministers shall be members of the Chamber and a. number not exceeding eight shall be chosen from citizens who are not members of Parliament. These extra-Parliamentary Ministers may sit in the Chamber but may not vote. It looks as though the real power might be vested in Ministers who are not bound by the Parliamentary oath.