asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is now in a position to state the source of the ammunition, or parts thereof, which were found on the S.S. Kerlogue after it had been attacked from the air, and whether it indicates the nationality of the attacking plane; if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attack on Irish Ship.
The ammunition fragments were found to be of British origin. Representations were immediately made to the British Government, who instituted inquiries and confirmed that the Kerlogue had been attacked by British aircraft. They informed us that the attacking planes did not identify the ship as Irish and that at the time of the attack the Kerlogue was sailing off her course, a fact which has been confirmed from the ship's log. For that reason the British Government will not accept any responsibility for the attack, but they are prepared to make a payment ex gratia to the injured men.
Have they given any explanation of how it was that they did not come to identify the perfectly clear marks on the ship? Was the machine-gunning from a very excessive height, or what reason had they for failing to see the marks?
The Deputy had better ask me another question if he wants the details.