asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the published statement on conscription by the Premier of Northern Ireland; and whether, in view of that statement, he has made, or intends to make, a protest against the possibility of Irish nationalists being conscripted by the Northern Government whose policy is not in keeping with the nationalist outlook.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Conscription Issue in Northern Ireland.
The Government have protested to the British Government in the strongest terms against the threatened imposition of conscription in that part of our country to which the Deputy refers. I would remind the Deputy that the Army is one of the service in the occupied area over which the British Government retain control. The proposal is, therefore, one for the conscription by the British Government of Irishmen for the British Army.