asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the possibility of the recent air attacks on this country being due to our territory being mistaken for that of a belligerent State, steps will be taken, either by special lighting or other distinctive signs, to indicate to belligerent aircraft the fact that this is neutral territory; if, further, such measures will be adopted in all important centres of population throughout the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection Against Aircraft Errors.
The ordinary lighting of this country at night is considered sufficient to identify it. It is not considered that special lighting or other distinctive signs would serve any useful purpose, and it is not proposed, therefore, to adopt them.
Is the Minister not aware that there is a serious danger of our cities and towns being mistaken for belligerent cities and towns, and does he not think that there should be some distinctive sign, such as a red cross in the case of hospitals? Does the Minister not consider that some distinctive sign should be adopted and a recognition of such sign secured by the belligerent States? Would it not suggest itself to the Minister that it might be desirable to make representations to other neutral States to have such a sign recognised?
Is it not true that a one-eyed imbecile could see the difference between our cities and the belligerents' cities, if he wanted to see it, but we know that he damn well did not?
Mr. Boland
There is no need for any better method of identification.