September 10
Deputy John O'Flaherty (TD, Dublin) has introduced to the Dáil Éireann an economic growth plan for improving the Irish economy. Most controversially, it suggests lowering the current corporate taxation bracket particularly for knowledge-based industry, in order to grow that sector of the economy. The plan also suggests the development of a Swiss-style banking system, backed by strict Banking Privacy laws, the development of an open shipping registry, and the establishment of a national airline. O'Flaherty identified seven foreign organizations, most notably the Bank of the Kongo, which had expressed interest in opening a branch in Ireland. The Plan also suggested that Ireland seek a trade agreement with Great Britain, and consider joining the Pan-European Trade Agreement organization, while otherwise steering clear of all other political entanglements. O'Flaherty admitted that, while both an Anglo-Irish trade treaty and PETA membership would be preferable, it would be in Ireland's best interest to resolve an Anglo-Irish treaty before even considering PETA.
September 18
After six days of debate about the O'Flaherty Economic Plan, deputies in the Dail have introduced four separate economic bills. The first, Bill 33-911A, has authorized the creation of a national airline (to be named Aer Lingus) and the formation of an open shipping registry. The second bill, 35-916 called for the government to pursue an Anglo-Irish Trade Treaty. Bill 33-914 seeks to authorize banks to operate under Swiss-style rules regarding bank privacy, and cut the tax rate on both Irish citizens and corporations by 15%, with another 10% drop in September 1937 if O'Flaherty Plan projections meet expectations. The final bill, 38-917, lays the legal foundation necessary for investment groups (such as the Bank of the Kongo) to open branches in Ireland. Bills 33-911A and 38-917 passed by significant margins, while 35-916 and 33-914 were shelved for further future discussion.
September 30
The Irish Naval Service yard in Galway successfully floated the destroyer LE Connacht from her drydock for the first time. Despite heavy rain, a large and enthusiastic crowd turned out to watch the ceremony.
The large destroyer will soon be the largest and best-armed unit in the Irish Naval Service, boasting outstanding speeds and armament. She will be commissioned on February 17th.
The ceremony suffered a minor interruption when a cat came aboard, pursued by sailors from the SS Mara, who insisted the black-and-white cat was their lucky charm. The cat, supposedly nicknamed Lady Jutland, curled up underneath the Irish naval ensign and refused to be ejected. The future sailors of the Connacht immediately adopted the feline and compensated the crew of the Mara for their departed crew cat.