It inserted Article 2A which empowered the Executive Council to declare a state of emergency during which most provisions of the constitution could be suspended and extra security measures taken.
These measures included the uses of the Constitution (Special Powers) Tribunal, a military tribunal, to try civilians for political offences, granting extra powers of search and arrest to the Garda Síochána (police), and the prohibition of organisations deemed a threat to the state's security.
The act was rushed through in October by the then government of Cumann na nGaedheal under W. T. Cosgrave, during a period of increased activity by physical force Irish republicans.
[3] The opposition Fianna Fáil party condemned the act and ended the emergency when it took office after the 1932 election.
[6] Article 28.3.3° of the Constitution of Ireland allows the Oireachtas to declare a state of emergency during a period of war or armed rebellion.