asked the Minister for Justice whether he was warned by Mr. James Victory, T.D., that violent action and the use of firearms were likely to result from the activities of the Edgeworthstown Town Tenants' Association and the Irish Republican Army; and, if so, if he will state what action was taken in consequence of such warning.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Edgeworthstown Agitation.
Before replying I must protest emphatically against being asked a question which shows a regrettable disregard for the public interest on the part of the Deputy responsible for it. If such a warning as the Deputy suggests had been received from a member of this House it would obviously be entirely wrong on my part to reveal the fact and the name of the Deputy who gave the warning. Deputies and all other citizens who in their anxiety for the public peace give information to the Government are entitled to expect that the Government will not allow the right of Parliamentary questions to be so abused as to result in a breach of confidence.
Having said this, I shall reply to the question and inform the Deputy that no such warning was received from Deputy Victory or from any other member of the Dáil.
I want it to be clearly understood that the fact of my replying to this question is not to be taken as a precedent, and that I shall refuse any reply whatever if a similar question is addressed to me in future.