asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether the Fianna Fáil Party have applied to the police for a permit for the holding of a flag day in aid of their Party funds on Easter Sunday, the 21st April, and whether the police have granted such a permit; and if he will state in respect of what parts of the country such permit has been given; whether he is aware that the announcement of the proposal has given rise to a very considerable amount of irritated national feeling, on the grounds that a day of national commemoration should not be so used by Party.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Permit for Party Flag Day.
No application has been made to the police by the Fianna Fáil Party for a permit to hold a flag day on Easter Sunday?
Is the Minister aware that the Fianna Fáil organ has announced that they propose to hold a flag day on Easter Sunday?
Dr. Ryan
That may be so.
Will the Minister say whether if such application is made they will get a permit?
Dr. Ryan
I expect they will.
Will the Minister say whether it is consistent with the proper observance of a holyday or of a day of national commemoration that a political Party should be allowed to hold a flag collection?
Dr. Ryan
These consideration are not for the police.
Will the Minister say whether the police must give permission to anybody who applies to hold a flag day on Easter Sunday?
Dr. Ryan
If the applicant is responsible and of good character.
Does the Minister think that a political party that sets out to hold a flag day on a day like Easter Sunday could be held responsible? Can he say whether it is the intention of the Fianna Fáil Party to carry out a flag collection on that date?
Dr. Ryan
That question should be addressed to the Fianna Fáil Party.