asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state why ships registered at Saorstát ports and engaged in trading outside the Saorstát have to fly the Red Ensign on the high seas and in foreign ports, and if he will take steps to have international recognition secured for the Tricolour as the National Flag of the Saorstát.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saorstát National Flag.
No objection has been taken by the Government of any country to the flying of the Tricolour on the high seas or in foreign ports by ships registered in Saorstát Eireann. The flag to which the Deputy's question refers has, however, been flown by such ships in accordance with the temporary legal position created by Article 73 of the Constitution. A Bill is in draft, and will be introduced in due course, terminating this position and declaring the Tricolour to be the national colours to be flown by all ships registered in Saorstát Eireann.