|
|
|
Dáil Éireann - Volume 104 - 25 February, 1947 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizens in Northern Ireland. Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will make representations to the British Government and/or the Government of Northern Ireland to withdraw the Order prohibiting Irish people from remaining in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Mr. Flanagan Mr. Flanagan Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of the action of the Government of Northern Ireland in refusing permits to remain in Northern Ireland to Irish citizens; if he will make a statement on this matter; and if, in view of the serious plight of many citizens who are forced to leave their employment in Northern Ireland and return home, he will make a protest against this action to the Government of Northern Ireland or direct to the British Government, bearing in mind the right of Irish citizens to live within their own country. The Taoiseach Eamon de Valera The Taoiseach: I propose to reply to Questions 2 and 3 together. I would refer the Deputies to the replies I gave to the Parliamentary question and supplementary questions on this subject in the Dáil on the 15th November, 1945. On that occasion I stated our inalterable objections to legislation which violates the natural right of all Irish men and women to live and work in any part of Ireland. I had already made all possible representations to the British authorities on the injustice of any interference with this natural right. The British authorities have stated that the purpose of the Order is to protect the employment position of returning ex-Service men and that it will not be continued in force any longer than necessary for this purpose. Our attitude remains as stated, and I shall not fail to press for the earliest possible ending of the existing legislation. Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave 1181 [1181] Mr. Cosgrave: Has the Minister made any representations against the recent Order? The Taoiseach Eamon de Valera The Taoiseach: I have told the Deputy exactly what the position is. I cannot give him any further information unless he asks a specific question. Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave: I asked the Taoiseach if he had made any representations against the recent Order. The Taoiseach Eamon de Valera The Taoiseach: I told the Deputy that I made all possible representations on every possible occasion. Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave: That is over a year ago. Mr. Flanagan Mr. Flanagan Mr. Flanagan: Would it be possible for the Taoiseach to make representations to the Northern or British authorities on behalf of any Irish citizens who are at present undergoing a term of imprisonment in the North as a result of a breach of these regulations? Surely a citizen of this country deserves some protection from the Government. Would the Taoiseach consider sending a protest to the British or Northern authorities in this respect? The Taoiseach Eamon de Valera The Taoiseach: I shall have to get the details. Dáil Éireann 104 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Irish Citizens in Northern Ireland. Questions 19470225
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
