asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that, on the 7th February, Ailtirí na hAiséirghe advised in writing the Gárda at College Street of their intention to hold a public meeting at the General Post Office, O'Connell Street, Dublin, on St. Patrick's Day at noon; that a similar meeting had been held by them there on the previous St. Patrick's Day; that, notwithstanding that the meeting had been publicly advertised and hundreds of posters put up, the organisation was informed by telephone at 4 p.m. on the 16th (less than 24 hours from the time of the meeting) by Fitzgibbon Street Gárda Station that they would not be permitted to hold the meeting at the General Post Office "on account of traffic", and that they must either go to Cathal Brugha Street or Middle Abbey Street (where amplification can be worked only very ineffectively); and if he will state why notification was not given to the organisation in sufficient time to allow them to complete satisfactorily alternative arrangements.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gárda and Public Meeting.
I am informed that the police suggested that the meeting should be held elsewhere than at the General Post Office in order to lessen the interference with traffic. Otherwise the facts appear to be as stated in the question. I regret that, owing to a misunderstanding between the several police authorities concerned with the proposed procession and meeting, earlier notification was not conveyed to the organisers.
I hope the Minister will see that steps will be taken to prevent a similar occurrence in future. I will convey his apology to the organisation concerned.
Mr. Boland
I hope the Deputy will not commit me to anything I have not said.