Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923 (Continuance and Amendment) Act, 1924

Oath to be taken by officers.

10.—The following section shall be inserted in the Principal Act after section 21 thereof:—

“21A.—(1) Every officer in the Forces shall, upon his appointment to be an officer in the Forces, take an oath or make a declaration, as the case may be, of fidelity, in the following form:—

“I,             do solemnly and sincerely swear (or declare) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to, and against all enemies whomsoever, defend, Saorstát Eireann and its Constitution as by law established, and that I will render good and true service and obedience to the Oireachtas and Government of Saorstát Eireann under the Constitution, and that I will observe and obey without question, such orders and directions as I shall from time to time receive from any of my superior officers, according to law; and further, that I will not, while I am an officer in Oglaigh na hEireann, join or be a member of or subscribe to any political society or organisation whatsoever, or any secret society whatsoever.”

(2) The oath or declaration of fidelity in the last preceding sub-section set forth, shall be taken or made and subscribed by each such officer in the presence of such officer as shall be nominated for that purpose by the Minister.

(3) Any officer of the Forces who declines or neglects to take the oath or the declaration aforesaid in the manner aforesaid, shall be deemed to have resigned his commission and appointment as an officer in the Forces.”