asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the arrest and deportation to England of Mr. Cahir Healy, M.P., and whether in view of this action against Mr. Healy, who is an Irish citizen, he has made, or proposes to make, representations to the British Government to ensure his immediate release.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arrest of Mr. Cahir Healy, M.P.
I am aware that Mr. Healy was arrested on the 11th July and is now detained in Great Britain under the British Defence Regulations.
As regards the second part of the question, if I thought that any official action I could take in this matter would achieve its object, I would not hesitate to take it. But as things are, I do not think that official intervention on our part would help. Everybody must see in the action taken against Mr. Healy yet another unfortunate consequence of a political situation which all Irishmen wish to see brought to an end but which can be ended only by the ending of Partition.
Does the Minister not consider himself bound to make official representations to ensure that a citizen of this country should not be deported in the circumstances surrounding this case?
I feel bound only when I think that my action will be successful.
Arising out of the Minister's further reply, would he say that it is not desirable that representations should be made at least protesting against the circumstances in which Mr. Healy was arrested, against his deportation and against the fact that no charge whatever has been preferred against him?
There is nothing I can usefully add to what I told the Deputy.
Mr. Healy will stay in England then?
Mr. Healy will stay in England, not with our will or on our account.
There should be a protest against his detention then.