asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any spent ammunition or parts thereof from the attacking aeroplane were found on S.S. Kerlogue after it had been attacked; whether the source of this ammunition has been ascertained; and whether it indicates the nationality of the attacking plane; and, if so, what action he contemplates taking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attack on Irish Ship.
Ammunition fragments have been found on the Kerlogue. The action to be taken will depend on the result of the investigations, which are not yet complete.
Have the experts of the Minister for External Affairs as yet identified the source of those fragments?
I have told the Deputy that ammunition has been found on the S.S. Kerlogue, and that the action that will be taken will depend upon the results of the investigations, which are not yet complete.
Has that part of the investigation directed to establishing the source of the ammunition—the place of its manufacture—reached completion?
I am not going to say anything which would mean giving an incomplete answer. I say that the results of the investigations are not yet complete.
So the Minister will not tell me where the ammunition came from?
Not at this stage.
Can the Minister for External Affairs indicate when he expects the investigation to be completed? If I repeat my question in a fortnight, will that suit his convenience?
Yes, I expect the investigation will be completed in much less than a fortnight.