asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if his Department issued on or before October 15th, 1925, an order prohibiting the use of the footpath from the gate at the Merrion Street entrance to Government Buildings to civilians entering the buildings on public business; if sentries on duty inside that entrance were instructed to order peremptorily all civilians off the footpath, and if he will state the date of the issue of such regulations or orders and in what manner they were made public.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FOOTPATH AT GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
I assume that the Deputy refers to the footpath inside the gate at Government Buildings adjoining Leinster Lawn. Portion of that footpath is the beat of a sentry. A specific order or instruction as described by the Deputy has not been issued as to its use by civilians. It is, however, obviously necessary that precautions should be taken by the sentry or otherwise to prevent close approach by unknown persons. With a view to putting the matter on a more satisfactory basis for all concerned, I am considering what the arrangements should be in future.